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Ida Girl

Popularity: #739 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: EYE-duh /ˈaɪdə/

Origin: German; Scandinavian; Hebrew

Meaning: German: industrious; Scandinavian: hard working; Hebrew: noble

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Ida has its roots in the Germanic languages, derived from the Old High German name "Ida," which is believed to mean "industrious" or "diligent." This name was likely influenced by the Proto-Germanic root "*idiz," which conveys the notion of labor or work. The name entered the English language through various channels, including the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, where it was adopted and adapted into forms recognizable in Middle English.

Historically, the name Ida has been borne by several notable figures, including Saint Ida of Boulogne, a 7th-century abbess, whose life and works contributed to the name's prominence in medieval Christian contexts. The name appears in various historical texts and documents throughout the centuries, including the works of medieval poets and chroniclers.

In the 19th century, the name gained further recognition through literary works, such as the character Ida in Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem "The Princess," published in 1847, which helped to solidify its place in English literature. Culturally, the name Ida has been associated with qualities of strength and industriousness, reflecting its etymological roots.

It has also been linked to various traditions and folklore, often embodying the virtues of hard work and perseverance. The name has a diminutive form, "Ida," which has been used affectionately in various cultures.

Overall, the name's historical significance and cultural resonance have contributed to its enduring presence in various societies.

Famous people named Ida

Ida B. Wells is a journalist and activist best known for her work in anti-lynching campaigns and co-founding the NAACP.
Ida Lupino is an actress and director best known for The Hitch-Hiker, High Sierra, and On Dangerous Ground.
Ida Tarbell is a journalist and author best known for her investigative journalism on Standard Oil and her book The History of the Standard Oil Company.
Ida Eisenhower is known as the mother of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and for her influence in his early life.
Ida S. Baker is a nurse and educator best known for her contributions to nursing education and public health.

Fictional characters named Ida

Ida is a fictional character from the film Ida. She is a young Polish nun who discovers her Jewish heritage while on a journey to uncover her family's past.

Sibling suggestions

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Ida was first seen in the United States in 1880. Ida has ranked as high as #100 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, and Alabama. In the past 5 years the name Ida has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Ida (2024)

State Births Share
MN 18
13%
WA 11
8%
IN 10
7%
CA 9
7%
WI 9
7%
NY 9
7%
GA 9
7%
TX 8
6%
PA 8
6%
CO 7
5%
IL 7
5%
IA 6
4%
TN 6
4%
UT 5
4%
MO 5
4%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18801,472
18811,439
18821,673
18831,634
18841,882
18851,854
18862,049
18871,929
18882,229
18892,122
18902,178
18912,002
18922,259
18932,247
18942,195
18952,170
18962,159
18972,108
18982,090
18991,804
19002,285
19011,835
19021,836
19031,774
19041,751
19051,757
19061,753
19071,980
19081,952
19091,943
19102,107
19112,119
19122,740
19132,916
19143,561
19154,125
19164,364
19174,247
19184,450
19194,163
19204,090
19214,146
19223,987
19233,888
19243,861
19253,489
19263,285
19273,205
19282,995
19292,673
19302,643
19312,419
19322,317
19332,061
19341,972
19351,922
19361,801
19371,784
19381,724
19391,590
19401,688
19411,609
19421,621
19431,477
19441,335
19451,232
19461,389
19471,347
19481,303
19491,290
19501,195
19511,076
19521,062
19531,017
19541,063
1955935
1956932
1957867
1958792
1959822
1960738
1961704
1962658
1963623
1964578
1965518
1966514
1967480
1968401
1969391
1970385
1971347
1972326
1973307
1974303
1975240
1976219
1977250
1978219
1979242
1980209
1981206
1982205
1983152
1984157
1985154
1986156
1987150
1988162
1989136
1990121
1991115
1992136
1993107
1994108
1995100
1996104
199797
1998101
199978
200096
200195
200280
200390
200483
200592
200685
200796
2008103
200995
2010104
2011100
2012101
2013118
2014149
2015162
2016196
2017180
2018193
2019184
2020197
2021222
2022226
2023202
2024211