Zelda is a unique and distinctive given name of unclear etymology. Some sources suggest that it may be derived from the Old German words "sela" meaning "rock" or "selda" meaning "battle," while others propose a connection to the Italian name "Gelsa," which means "hazel tree." Despite its uncertain origins, Zelda has been popularized in recent years due to its usage as the name of the princess character in Nintendo's "The Legend of Zelda" video game series.
The first recorded use of the name Zelda is found in Louis Carroll's 1890 fantasy novel "Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There," where it appears as the given name of one of the characters. It is believed that Carroll coined the name himself, although its meaning remains unclear. Regardless of its origins, the name Zelda has since become synonymous with courageous princesses, magical adventures, and epic quests thanks to its prominent role in the Nintendo franchise.
In recent years, Zelda has gained popularity as a given name for baby girls due to its unique sound and association with strength and bravery. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Zelda was ranked among the top 1000 most popular girl names in the United States during several years between 2013 and 2020.
Overall, while the origins and meaning of the name Zelda may remain somewhat mysterious, its usage as a given name has been significantly influenced by its prominent role in popular culture. Whether inspired by the legendary video game series or simply drawn to its unique sound, parents who choose the name Zelda for their daughters are likely selecting a name that is both memorable and meaningful.
The name Zelda has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. According to the provided statistics, there were only 6 births with the name Zelda in 1880, and this number remained relatively low throughout the late 19th century.
However, starting from the early 20th century, we begin to see a steady increase in the number of babies named Zelda. In 1904, there were 68 births with the name Zelda, and by 1915, this number had risen to 230. The trend continued throughout the early and mid-20th century, reaching a peak of 443 births in 2015.
Interestingly, after a brief decline in popularity between the 1970s and 1980s (with as few as 5 births in 1995), the name Zelda has seen a resurgence in recent years. In 2020, there were 526 babies named Zelda, marking a significant increase from previous decades.
Over time, the name Zelda has become increasingly popular among parents in the United States. This trend is reflected in the total number of births with this name, which has grown steadily over the past century and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. As of 2023, a total of 16,026 babies have been named Zelda in the United States since 1880.