Donelda

“A beloved name with deep roots”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1339US 2023

861Births / yr

→Stable

549All-time births

📅 Since 191200

How to pronounce Donelda

DAH·NELD·AH

/ˈdɑ.ˈnɛld.ˈɑ/ · stress on DAH · 4 syllables

“A beloved name with deep roots”

American origin · Girl name

What does Donelda mean and where does it come from?

Donelda is a variation of the name 'Donal,' which further comes from the Gaelic name 'Domhnall.' The name is more popular in Scottish and Irish contexts. It has fallen out of favor in recent years but can still occasionally be seen in the United States. Women named Donelda may sometimes be affection

Cultural significance

Donelda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a beloved name with deep roots.

Peak popularity

Reached #1846 in 1936 — currently #1339 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Donelda?

Donelda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Donelda Grace

How popular is Donelda right now?

Holding steady — currently #1339 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1339 · Top 0.99%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1970

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1339	861	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1344	841	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1349	811	▲ up 6835 · +16120% births
1970	#8184	5	▼ down 3275 · -37% births
1960	#4909	8	▼ down 34 · +14% births
1955	#4875	7	▼ down 1730 · -42% births
1950	#3145	12	▲ up 107 · +33% births
1945	#3252	9	▼ down 995 · -36% births
1940	#2257	14	▼ down 82 · -7% births
1935	#2175	15	▲ up 217 · +7% births
1930	#2392	14	▲ up 501 · +17% births
1925	#2893	12	▲ up 365 · +20% births
1920	#3258	10	▲ up 83 · +25% births
1915	#3341	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Donelda

Best Year2023Rank #1339

Peak Count861

Average Rank#3194

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202314 years

The story of Donelda

Donelda entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 549 total births recorded, Donelda remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3341 in 1915 to #1339 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Donelda in 1936:

Mary Shirley Barbara Betty Patricia

Donelda by decade

Donelda peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	49
1920s	120
1930s ★	147
1940s	105
1950s	77
1960s	41
1970s	10

💎Donelda has only 549 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Donelda?

Common

DonDonieDonyElda

What names sound and feel like Donelda?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Donelda also consider these

Donalda

Scotland · meaning 'world ruler'

South Africa · ruler's advisor

Donella

Scotland · A feminine form

Lanelda

American · a gentle and

Denelda

English · Valley of the

Dorenda

English · Gift.

Common questions about the name Donelda

What does the name Donelda mean?

Donelda means "A beloved name with deep roots" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Donelda?

Donelda is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Donelda?

Donelda originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Donelda?

Donelda is a four-syllable name pronounced D AA1 N EH1 L D AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Donelda?

Donelda pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.