Zelda Girl
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
Similar names
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 | |
| TX | 36 | |
| NY | 24 | |
| FL | 21 | |
| WA | 20 | |
| OH | 17 | |
| MO | 13 | |
| NC | 12 | |
| AZ | 11 | |
| VA | 11 | |
| IL | 11 | |
| IN | 9 | |
| PA | 9 | |
| CO | 8 | |
| AL | 7 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 6 |
| 1882 | 6 |
| 1884 | 7 |
| 1885 | 6 |
| 1886 | 8 |
| 1887 | 5 |
| 1888 | 11 |
| 1889 | 13 |
| 1890 | 14 |
| 1891 | 16 |
| 1892 | 15 |
| 1893 | 25 |
| 1894 | 25 |
| 1895 | 28 |
| 1896 | 31 |
| 1897 | 27 |
| 1898 | 38 |
| 1899 | 35 |
| 1900 | 46 |
| 1901 | 43 |
| 1902 | 38 |
| 1903 | 45 |
| 1904 | 68 |
| 1905 | 76 |
| 1906 | 64 |
| 1907 | 67 |
| 1908 | 86 |
| 1909 | 62 |
| 1910 | 86 |
| 1911 | 117 |
| 1912 | 134 |
| 1913 | 155 |
| 1914 | 159 |
| 1915 | 230 |
| 1916 | 258 |
| 1917 | 240 |
| 1918 | 250 |
| 1919 | 225 |
| 1920 | 208 |
| 1921 | 280 |
| 1922 | 251 |
| 1923 | 227 |
| 1924 | 250 |
| 1925 | 251 |
| 1926 | 231 |
| 1927 | 236 |
| 1928 | 233 |
| 1929 | 209 |
| 1930 | 225 |
| 1931 | 175 |
| 1932 | 197 |
| 1933 | 160 |
| 1934 | 189 |
| 1935 | 161 |
| 1936 | 124 |
| 1937 | 147 |
| 1938 | 145 |
| 1939 | 127 |
| 1940 | 128 |
| 1941 | 106 |
| 1942 | 106 |
| 1943 | 118 |
| 1944 | 111 |
| 1945 | 88 |
| 1946 | 122 |
| 1947 | 97 |
| 1948 | 108 |
| 1949 | 90 |
| 1950 | 101 |
| 1951 | 88 |
| 1952 | 96 |
| 1953 | 107 |
| 1954 | 107 |
| 1955 | 120 |
| 1956 | 141 |
| 1957 | 127 |
| 1958 | 131 |
| 1959 | 142 |
| 1960 | 135 |
| 1961 | 169 |
| 1962 | 178 |
| 1963 | 171 |
| 1964 | 133 |
| 1965 | 109 |
| 1966 | 117 |
| 1967 | 105 |
| 1968 | 95 |
| 1969 | 53 |
| 1970 | 67 |
| 1971 | 40 |
| 1972 | 39 |
| 1973 | 30 |
| 1974 | 29 |
| 1975 | 27 |
| 1976 | 17 |
| 1977 | 26 |
| 1978 | 19 |
| 1979 | 12 |
| 1980 | 19 |
| 1981 | 16 |
| 1982 | 12 |
| 1983 | 18 |
| 1984 | 12 |
| 1985 | 13 |
| 1986 | 16 |
| 1987 | 12 |
| 1988 | 17 |
| 1989 | 19 |
| 1990 | 18 |
| 1991 | 22 |
| 1992 | 14 |
| 1993 | 14 |
| 1994 | 16 |
| 1995 | 5 |
| 1996 | 14 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 15 |
| 1999 | 19 |
| 2000 | 31 |
| 2001 | 22 |
| 2002 | 24 |
| 2003 | 29 |
| 2004 | 30 |
| 2005 | 40 |
| 2006 | 49 |
| 2007 | 53 |
| 2008 | 54 |
| 2009 | 59 |
| 2010 | 69 |
| 2011 | 81 |
| 2012 | 139 |
| 2013 | 183 |
| 2014 | 214 |
| 2015 | 443 |
| 2016 | 426 |
| 2017 | 456 |
| 2018 | 442 |
| 2019 | 436 |
| 2020 | 526 |
| 2021 | 492 |
| 2022 | 435 |
| 2023 | 403 |
| 2024 | 376 |