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Zelda Girl

Popularity: #592 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ZEL-duh /ˈzɛl.də/

Origin: German; Yiddish

Meaning: German: blessed; Yiddish: woman who is a warrior

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Zelda has its roots in the Yiddish name "Zeldah," which is derived from the Hebrew word "zelda," meaning "blessed" or "happy." This name made its way into the English language through various cultural exchanges, particularly during the 19th century when Jewish communities in Eastern Europe began to migrate and integrate into broader European societies. The transition from Hebrew to Yiddish and then to English reflects a linguistic journey that highlights the name's Jewish heritage and its significance in cultural identity.

Historically, the name Zelda has been associated with notable figures, particularly in literature and the arts. One of the most prominent early uses of the name in the English-speaking world can be traced to the early 20th century, notably through the works of American author F.

Scott Fitzgerald, whose wife, Zelda Sayre, became an iconic figure of the Jazz Age. Her vibrant personality and tumultuous life story contributed to the name's association with creativity and individuality, further embedding it in cultural memory.

Culturally, Zelda has resonated in various contexts, often symbolizing strength and resilience. The name has been embraced in literature, film, and other forms of artistic expression, often representing characters who embody these traits.

Additionally, the name has been linked to themes of adventure and exploration, particularly through its association with the popular video game franchise "The Legend of Zelda," which, while modern, draws on the name's historical connotations of bravery and questing. Overall, the name Zelda carries a rich tapestry of meanings and associations that reflect its linguistic origins and historical significance, making it a name that resonates with cultural depth.

Famous people named Zelda

Zelda Fitzgerald is an author best known for Save Me the Waltz and her tumultuous marriage to F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Zelda Williams is an actress and voice actress best known for her roles in The Legend of Korra, Dead of Summer, and as the daughter of Robin Williams.

Fictional characters named Zelda

Zelda is a fictional character from the video game series The Legend of Zelda. She is often portrayed as a princess with magical abilities who plays a crucial role in the fight against evil forces.

Sibling suggestions

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Zelda was first seen in the United States in 1880.

Zelda has ranked as high as #851 nationally, which occurred in 2020, and has been most popular in New York, California, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Illinois.

In the past 5 years the name Zelda has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Zelda (2024)

State Births Share
CA 44
15%
TX 36
12%
NY 24
8%
FL 21
7%
WA 20
7%
OH 17
6%
MO 13
4%
NC 12
4%
AZ 11
4%
VA 11
4%
IL 11
4%
IN 9
3%
PA 9
3%
CO 8
3%
AL 7
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18806
18826
18847
18856
18868
18875
188811
188913
189014
189116
189215
189325
189425
189528
189631
189727
189838
189935
190046
190143
190238
190345
190468
190576
190664
190767
190886
190962
191086
1911117
1912134
1913155
1914159
1915230
1916258
1917240
1918250
1919225
1920208
1921280
1922251
1923227
1924250
1925251
1926231
1927236
1928233
1929209
1930225
1931175
1932197
1933160
1934189
1935161
1936124
1937147
1938145
1939127
1940128
1941106
1942106
1943118
1944111
194588
1946122
194797
1948108
194990
1950101
195188
195296
1953107
1954107
1955120
1956141
1957127
1958131
1959142
1960135
1961169
1962178
1963171
1964133
1965109
1966117
1967105
196895
196953
197067
197140
197239
197330
197429
197527
197617
197726
197819
197912
198019
198116
198212
198318
198412
198513
198616
198712
198817
198919
199018
199122
199214
199314
199416
19955
199614
19977
199815
199919
200031
200122
200224
200329
200430
200540
200649
200753
200854
200959
201069
201181
2012139
2013183
2014214
2015443
2016426
2017456
2018442
2019436
2020526
2021492
2022435
2023403
2024376