Nelda is a unique and captivating feminine given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "nelda," which means "valley." The name Nelda has a rich history, having been popularized by several notable figures in literature and culture.
One of the earliest references to the name Nelda can be found in German literature. In the 19th century, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe used the name Nelda for a character in his novel "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship." This character, Nelida, was a beautiful and enigmatic woman who played a significant role in the protagonist's life.
Later, the name Nelda gained popularity through the works of Spanish writer Miguel de Unamuno. In his novel "Niebla" (Mist), published in 1914, Unamuno used the name Nelda for one of the main characters. This character was a young woman named Nelida, who was known for her intelligence and determination.
Despite its Spanish origins and prominent appearances in Spanish literature, Nelda is not a very common name in Spain or other Spanish-speaking countries. However, it has gained some popularity in other parts of Europe, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia.
In terms of its meaning, Nelda signifies "valley," which is often associated with tranquility, beauty, and harmony. People named Nelda are often seen as being calm, gentle, and nurturing individuals who bring a sense of peace and balance to their surroundings.
Overall, Nelda is an intriguing and distinctive name with a fascinating history and a beautiful meaning. It is a perfect choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Nelda has a long and varied history of usage in the United States, with a total of 20,118 births recorded over the years. The popularity of the name peaked in the early to mid-20th century, with the highest number of births occurring in 1927, when there were 436 newborn girls named Nelda.
Throughout the late 19th and early to mid-20th centuries, the number of babies named Nelda fluctuated significantly from year to year. For example, between 1884 and 1899, the annual number of births ranged from a low of 5 in 1884 to a high of 27 in 1900. However, by the 1930s and 1940s, the popularity of the name began to increase steadily, with more than 400 births recorded each year between 1936 and 1950.
After peaking in 1950 with 375 births, the usage of the name Nelda started to decline. Between 1951 and 1980, the annual number of births ranged from a low of 242 in 1958 to a high of 392 in 1951. However, by the late 1970s and early 1980s, the popularity of the name had significantly decreased, with fewer than 50 births recorded each year.
In recent years, the name Nelda has continued to be used infrequently, with only a handful of births recorded annually. Between 2000 and 2022, there were a total of 31 births recorded in the United States, with the most recent data showing 7 births in 2022.
While the popularity of the name Nelda has waxed and waned over the years, it remains a unique and historic choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughters. The long history of usage in the United States demonstrates that Nelda is a timeless and enduring name with a rich heritage.