Elda is a unique and elegant given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Old German word "Adalheidis", which means "noble" or "illustrious". The name Elda has been used for centuries, with its earliest recorded usage dating back to the Middle Ages in Spain.
Throughout history, Elda has been associated with several notable figures. One of the most famous is Elda Moraleda, a Spanish actress who rose to prominence during the Golden Age of cinema. Born in the early 20th century, Moraleda was known for her roles in silent films and was considered one of Spain's first leading ladies.
In literature, Elda has been used as a character name in several works. In "The House on the Strand" by Daphne du Maurier, Elda is the wife of the protagonist's friend. The author likely chose this name for its unique sound and Spanish origins, fitting with the novel's setting in Cornwall during the Spanish Armada.
Today, Elda remains a uncommon but striking choice for a girl's name. Its association with nobility and illustriousness gives it an air of sophistication, while its Spanish roots provide it with a touch of exoticism. Despite its historical usage, Elda has not become overly popular, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughter.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe the trend of births with the name Elda over time in the United States.
The name Elda first appeared as a given name for babies born in the U.S. in 1880, with nine births recorded that year. The number of births fluctuated annually until reaching its peak in 1915 with 241 births. This high point marked a significant increase from the previous year, indicating a sudden popularity or trend surrounding the name Elda.
After peaking in 1915, the number of births with the name Elda began to decline steadily. By 1936, only 75 births were recorded, marking a substantial drop compared to the peak years. This decreasing trend continued until reaching an all-time low of nine births in 1940.
The decline continued into the mid-20th century, with fewer than 60 births per year from 1952 onwards. The lowest point during this period was in 1966, with only 28 births recorded. However, there was a slight uptick in popularity between 1974 and 1984, with the number of births ranging from 30 to 40 per year.
Since the late 1980s, the name Elda has become increasingly rare, with fewer than 30 births recorded annually. The most recent data available shows that there were nine births in 2022. This consistent decline over time suggests that the name Elda is no longer popular among parents choosing names for their newborn children.
In conclusion, while Elda was once a relatively common name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States, its popularity has since waned significantly. With fewer than ten births recorded annually in recent years, it appears that Elda is now quite rare as a given name.