Ethelda

“Ethelda is derived from Old English elements 'Æthel' meaning noble and 'da' meaning maiden”

England origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#832US 2023

1.4kBirths / yr

→Stable

396All-time births

📅 Since 191000

How to pronounce Ethelda

ith·ELD·uh

/ɪθ.ˈɛld.ə/ · stress on ELD · 3 syllables

“Ethelda is derived from Old English elements 'Æthel' meaning noble and 'da' meaning maiden”

England origin · Girl name

What does Ethelda mean and where does it come from?

Ethelda is derived from Old English elements 'Æthel' meaning noble and 'da' meaning maiden. Historically used in England, it was more common during the Old English period and has since fallen out of favor, giving it a vintage charm. The name is rare in modern usage and not widely documented in popul

Cultural significance

Ethelda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old english.

Peak popularity

Reached #1280 in 1920 — currently #832 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Ethelda?

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

Ethelda Grace

How popular is Ethelda right now?

Holding steady — currently #832 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2023#832 · Top 0.61%

1910

1920

1925

1935

1940

1950

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#832	1,368	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#837	1,348	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#842	1,318	▲ up 4050 · +21867% births
1950	#4892	6	▼ down 1549 · -25% births
1940	#3343	8	▲ up 1091 · +60% births
1935	#4434	5	▼ down 1863 · -64% births
1925	#2571	14	▼ down 1291 · -62% births
1920	#1280	37	▲ up 1096 · +517% births
1910	#2376	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ethelda

Best Year2023Rank #832

Peak Count1,368

Average Rank#2379

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1910 - 20239 years

The story of Ethelda

Ethelda entered American naming records in 1910 and has been in use for over 114 years. With 396 total births recorded, Ethelda remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2376 in 1910 to #832 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ethelda in 1920:

Mary Dorothy Helen Margaret Ruth

Ethelda by decade

Ethelda peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	81
1920s ★	198
1930s	65
1940s	41
1950s	6
1960s	5

💎Ethelda has only 396 total recorded births since 1910 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ethelda?

Common

EthElda

What names sound and feel like Ethelda?

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

Etheldra

England · noble maiden

Ethelreda

England · noble strength

Thelda

English · people's ruler

Spanish · The archer.

Denelda

English · Valley of the

Renelda

English · ruler

Common questions about the name Ethelda

What does the name Ethelda mean?

Ethelda means "Old English" — a name rooted in England 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 Ethelda?

Ethelda is currently ranked #832 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 Ethelda?

Ethelda originates from England tradition. England 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 Ethelda?

Ethelda is a three-syllable name pronounced IH0 TH EH1 L D AH0. 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 Ethelda?

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