The nameZelda
Zelda is a vintage girl's name with a literary and a gaming fame: Zelda Fitzgerald and The Legend of Zelda.
- Girl's name
- Germanic or Yiddish
Meaning
Zelda is often explained as a short form of Griselda, from the Germanic gris, "grey", and hild, "battle". In Yiddish it is linked to "happiness".
Origin
Germanic or Yiddish.
History
Zelda was most used in the United States in the early 20th century, with a best rank of 376th in 1911. Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald, embodied the Jazz Age.
Did you know?
- The game designer Shigeru Miyamoto named Princess Zelda after Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of the novelist.
Famous people named Zelda
- Zelda Fitzgerald, writer
- Zelda Williams, actress and director
- Princess Zelda, character in The Legend of Zelda
Popularity of the name Zelda
Zelda in the United States
Zelda was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 2,889 births over the decade, 18% of all recorded babies named Zelda. Its rise began around 1904, and it peaked in 2020. Half of all babies named Zelda in the United States were born before 1953, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 446 births a year.
Zelda in France
Zelda was most popular in France in the 2010s, with 210 births over the decade, 32% of all recorded babies named Zelda. Its rise began around 1958, and it peaked in 2022. Half of all babies named Zelda in France were born before 2013, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 24 births a year.
Sibling names for Zelda
Names from the same generation as Zelda, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Zelda? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Zelda with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Zelda side by side with the name of your choice.
Zelda in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zelda mean?
Zelda is often explained as a short form of Griselda, from the Germanic gris, "grey", and hild, "battle". In Yiddish it is linked to "happiness".
What is the origin of the name Zelda?
Germanic or Yiddish.
Is Zelda a girl's or a boy's name?
Zelda is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Zelda?
In 2024, Zelda was the 745th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 376 births.
What are good sibling names for Zelda?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Etta, Ramona, Louisa and Louise for a sister, Lyam, Ollie, Remy and Alistair for a brother.
Who are famous people named Zelda?
Zelda Fitzgerald, writer; Zelda Williams, actress and director; Princess Zelda, character in The Legend of Zelda.