What does Ida mean and where does it come from?
The name Ida is of Germanic origin and has been used since medieval times. It was popular in Germany and Scandinavia and has also gained traction in the United States, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name is often associated with strength and industriousness. Notable
Cultural significance
Ida has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of work.
Peak popularity
Reached #7 in 1880 — currently #1087 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ida?
Ida works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ida Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ida Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ida Claire
French influence · crisp
Ida Jane
Literary · strong
Ida Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ida right now?
Holding steady — currently #1087 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1087 | 1,113 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1092 | 1,093 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1097 | 1,063 | ▲ up 104 · +462% births |
| 2020 | #1201 | 189 | ▲ up 244 · +19% births |
| 2015 | #1445 | 159 | ▲ up 496 · +54% births |
| 2010 | #1941 | 103 | ▲ up 179 · +18% births |
| 2005 | #2120 | 87 | ▼ down 253 · -4% births |
| 2000 | #1867 | 91 | ▼ down 336 · -9% births |
| 1995 | #1531 | 100 | ▼ down 201 · -17% births |
| 1990 | #1330 | 121 | ▼ down 333 · -21% births |
| 1985 | #997 | 153 | ▼ down 213 · -27% births |
| 1980 | #784 | 209 | ▼ down 145 · -13% births |
| 1975 | #639 | 240 | ▼ down 129 · -38% births |
| 1970 | #510 | 385 | ▼ down 101 · -26% births |
| 1965 | #409 | 519 | — |
The story of Ida
Ida has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #7 in 1880, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. More than 187,536 babies have been named Ida since 1880. Once ranked #7 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1087 in 2023. Ida is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ida in 1880:
Ida by decade
Ida peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 18,358 | |
| 1890s | 21,289 | |
| 1900s | 18,939 | |
| 1910s | 34,922 | |
| 1920s ★ | 35,789 | |
| 1930s | 20,367 | |
| 1940s | 14,351 | |
| 1950s | 9,783 | |
| 1960s | 5,628 | |
| 1970s | 2,835 | |
| 1980s | 1,683 | |
| 1990s | 1,055 | |
| 2000s | 883 | |
| 2010s | 1,465 | |
| 2020s | 189 | |
What are good nicknames for Ida?
Famous people named Ida
I(
Ida (Scandinavian royal)
Ida held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
I(
Ida (medieval German ruler)
Ida bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
I(
Ida (Norse explorer)
Ida carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
I(
Ida (German philosopher)
Ida used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Ida?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ida also consider these
How is Ida written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Ida
What does the name Ida mean?
Ida means "work" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Ida?
Ida 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 Ida?
Ida originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Ida?
Ida is a two-syllable name pronounced AY1 D AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ida a common or rare name?
Ida is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.