Donalda is a unique and distinctive name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "Domhnall", which means "world-mighty" or "proud as a chief". The name has been associated with several figures in Scottish history, notably Domhnall II, who was King of the Scots from 889 to 900 AD.
The name Donalda is believed to have first been used by families from the Highlands and Islands region of Scotland. It has since gained popularity among other Scottish families and even those with no Scottish ancestry due to its unique sound and historic significance.
In literature, Donalda appears as a character in "Roughing it in the Bush" by Susanna Moodie, a Canadian pioneer woman who wrote about her experiences living in the wilderness of Upper Canada during the 19th century. This may have contributed to the name's familiarity among English-speaking populations outside of Scotland.
Despite its Scottish origins and historic significance, Donalda remains relatively rare as a given name. It is often associated with strong-willed and independent individuals who embody the spirit of their ancient Gaelic ancestors. However, it is important to note that each person is unique, and those named Donalda may have personalities that differ from these stereotypes.
Overall, Donalda is an intriguing and distinctive name with a rich history and significant meaning. Its Scottish origins and historic associations make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Donalda in the United States from 1898 to 1976. Over this period of nearly eight decades, there were a total of 623 babies named Donalda.
The years with the highest number of Donalda births were 1929 and 1958, each with 17 births. This suggests that these years may have been particularly popular for parents choosing the name Donalda for their daughters.
However, it's important to note that the popularity of this name has significantly decreased over time. In the early years, such as in 1898 and 1904, there were at least five births each year. But from the late 1960s onwards, the number of Donalda births dropped considerably, with only five births recorded each year between 1970 and 1974.
This data reflects a broader trend in naming practices over time, where some names gain popularity while others fall out of favor. Despite its decline in recent decades, it's still notable that the name Donalda has persisted for nearly a century, with a total of 623 babies bearing this name across the United States during this period.