What does Gilda mean and where does it come from?
The name Gilda gained prominence in the 20th century, particularly due to the famous film noir actress Gilda Radner. It has an elegant, vintage feel and is primarily used in Italian-speaking communities, and it reflects a rich cultural history. The name has also been associated with various literary
Cultural significance
Gilda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Italy-speaking communities, where it reflects values of italian.
Peak popularity
Reached #381 in 1927 — currently #9802 in the US.
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Related Reading
Italy-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Gilda?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Gilda?
Gilda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Gilda Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Gilda Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Gilda Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Gilda Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Gilda Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Gilda Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Gilda right now?
Rising fast — up 790 spots — currently #9802 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #9802 | 10 | ▲ up 790 · +11% births |
| 2023 | #10592 | 9 | ▲ up 60 |
| 2022 | #10652 | 9 | ▼ down 2295 · -25% births |
| 2020 | #8357 | 12 | ▲ up 2541 · +33% births |
| 2015 | #10898 | 9 | ▼ down 415 · -10% births |
| 2010 | #10483 | 10 | ▼ down 2962 · -33% births |
| 2005 | #7521 | 15 | ▼ down 1292 · -12% births |
| 2000 | #6229 | 17 | ▼ down 1869 · -26% births |
| 1995 | #4360 | 23 | ▼ down 912 · -26% births |
| 1990 | #3448 | 31 | ▼ down 12 · +24% births |
| 1985 | #3436 | 25 | ▼ down 1085 · -39% births |
| 1980 | #2351 | 41 | ▼ down 591 · -23% births |
| 1975 | #1760 | 53 | ▼ down 241 · -18% births |
| 1970 | #1519 | 65 | ▼ down 358 · -24% births |
| 1965 | #1161 | 85 | — |
The story of Gilda
Gilda has been a beloved American name for over 126 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1898. A total of 10,049 babies have received this name. Once ranked #736 in 1910, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10592 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Gilda in 1927:
Gilda by decade
Gilda peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 6 | |
| 1900s | 94 | |
| 1910s | 899 | |
| 1920s ★ | 2,161 | |
| 1930s | 1,223 | |
| 1940s | 1,520 | |
| 1950s | 2,078 | |
| 1960s | 913 | |
| 1970s | 462 | |
| 1980s | 265 | |
| 1990s | 262 | |
| 2000s | 92 | |
| 2010s | 62 | |
| 2020s | 22 | |
What are good nicknames for Gilda?
What names sound and feel like Gilda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gilda also consider these
How is Gilda written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Gilda?
Common questions about the name Gilda
What does the name Gilda mean?
Gilda means "Italian" — a name rooted in Italy 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 Gilda?
Gilda is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Gilda have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Gilda?
Gilda originates from Italy tradition. Italy 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 Gilda?
Gilda is a two-syllable name pronounced GILD-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Gilda trending right now?
Gilda is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.