Velda is a unique and distinctive feminine given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname "Velde," which is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Fionnaghal." Fionnaghal, in turn, means "white shoulders" or "fair shoulders."
The name Velda is not particularly common and may have been used more frequently in the past than it is today. However, its Scottish heritage gives it a certain charm and intrigue. It's a name that stands out and is sure to be remembered.
There is no significant historical figure or character named Velda that has contributed to its popularity or significance. Instead, its appeal lies in its unique sound and Scottish roots. For those who appreciate uncommon names with a strong cultural heritage, Velda may be an appealing choice for a daughter.
The name Velda has a fascinating history of popularity and decline over the past century in the United States. Between 1895 and 2020, there were a total of 7,559 births registered with this unique name.
In the early years of record-keeping, Velda was quite popular, with the highest number of births occurring between 1914 to 1925. The peak year for Velda's popularity was in 1918, with a total of 175 births recorded that year alone. This trend continued throughout the early 20th century, with steady increases in the number of Velda births each year until reaching a high of 354 births in 1960.
However, like many unique names, Velda's popularity began to decline after the mid-20th century. The number of Velda births decreased significantly after 1960, with only 87 births recorded that year. This downward trend continued throughout the latter half of the century, with less than 50 Velda births per year between 1965 and 2003.
In recent years, Velda's popularity has seen a slight resurgence, with five births recorded in both 2011 and 2020. Despite this small increase, Velda remains relatively uncommon compared to its peak popularity during the early to mid-20th century.
Overall, while Velda may not be as popular as it once was, its unique history of popularity and decline offers an interesting glimpse into the changing trends of baby naming in the United States over the past century.