Emilda
a variant of Imelda, meaning 'universal ruler'
English origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#1285US 2023
915Births / yr
Stable
22All-time births
📅 Since 191400
How to pronounce Emilda
em·EE·LDAH
/ɛm.ˈiː.ˈldɑ/ · stress on EE · 4 syllables
a variant of Imelda, meaning 'universal ruler'
English origin · Girl name

What does Emilda mean and where does it come from?

Emilda is a variation of Imelda, which originates from the Germanic elements 'irmina' (universal) and 'hild' (battle). It is used in both English and Spanish-speaking countries. The name implies a sense of strength and authority, often connected to historical figures named Imelda, such as Imelda Mar

Cultural significance
Emilda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variant of imelda, meaning 'universal ruler'.
Peak popularity
Reached #4062 in 1914 — currently #1285 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →

What middle names flow best with Emilda?

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

Emilda Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Emilda Rose
Floral · soft ending
Emilda Mae
Sweet · timeless
Emilda Claire
French influence · crisp
Emilda Jane
Literary · strong
Emilda Skye
Modern · airy feel
👶
Middle Names
The best middle names for Emilda
Browse ideas →

How popular is Emilda right now?

Holding steady — currently #1285 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20212023#1285 · Top 0.95%
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#1285915▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022#1290895▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021#1295865

The story of Emilda

Emilda entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 22 total births recorded, Emilda remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1295 in 2021 to #1285 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Emilda in 1914:

Emilda by decade

Emilda peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

DecadeBirths
1910s5
1940s12
1970s5
💎Emilda has only 22 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Emilda?

Common
EmiEmEmieEmyIlda

Common questions about the name Emilda

What does the name Emilda mean?
Emilda means "a variant of Imelda, meaning 'universal ruler'" — a name rooted in English 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 Emilda?
Emilda 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 Emilda?
Emilda originates from English tradition. English 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 Emilda?
Emilda is a four-syllable name pronounced EH0 M IY1 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 Emilda?
Emilda pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.