What does Griselda mean and where does it come from?
Griselda is a name of Italian origin, which was popularized in the 14th century due to the story of Griselda from Giovanni Boccaccio's 'The Decameron.' The name suggests both a sense of nobility and resilience—signifying a strong woman enduring hardship. It has also been featured in literature and o
Cultural significance
Griselda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Italian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dark battle.
Peak popularity
Reached #654 in 1981 — currently #1602 in the US.
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Related Reading
Italian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Griselda?
Griselda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Griselda Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Griselda Rose
Floral · soft ending
Griselda Mae
Sweet · timeless
Griselda Claire
French influence · crisp
Griselda Jane
Literary · strong
Griselda Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Griselda right now?
Holding steady — currently #1602 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1602 | 598 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1607 | 578 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1612 | 548 | ▲ up 1823 · +1145% births |
| 2020 | #3435 | 44 | ▲ up 102 |
| 2015 | #3537 | 44 | ▼ down 629 · -25% births |
| 2010 | #2908 | 59 | ▼ down 1236 · -50% births |
| 2005 | #1672 | 119 | ▼ down 404 · -23% births |
| 2000 | #1268 | 154 | ▼ down 445 · -36% births |
| 1995 | #823 | 239 | ▼ down 95 · -17% births |
| 1990 | #728 | 287 | ▲ up 25 · +25% births |
| 1985 | #753 | 229 | ▼ down 63 · -8% births |
| 1980 | #690 | 250 | ▲ up 114 · +46% births |
| 1975 | #804 | 171 | ▲ up 373 · +74% births |
| 1970 | #1177 | 98 | ▲ up 464 · +109% births |
| 1965 | #1641 | 47 | — |
The story of Griselda
Griselda entered American naming records in 1906 and has been in use for over 118 years. With 8,961 total births recorded, Griselda remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3193 in 1930 to #1602 in 2023. Griselda is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Griselda in 1981:
Griselda by decade
Griselda peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1920s | 23 | |
| 1930s | 41 | |
| 1940s | 77 | |
| 1950s | 208 | |
| 1960s | 550 | |
| 1970s | 1,712 | |
| 1980s | 2,277 | |
| 1990s ★ | 2,304 | |
| 2000s | 1,227 | |
| 2010s | 488 | |
| 2020s | 44 | |
💎With 8,961 total births, Griselda is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Griselda?
What names sound and feel like Griselda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Griselda also consider these
How is Griselda written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Griselda
What does the name Griselda mean?
Griselda means "dark battle" — a name rooted in Italian 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 Griselda?
Griselda is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Griselda?
Griselda originates from Italian tradition. Italian names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Griselda?
Griselda pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Italian heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Griselda a common or rare name?
Griselda is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.