Idah

“A name of unknown origin, but often associated with purity and gentleness.”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1861US 2023

339Births / yr

→Stable

40All-time births

📅 Since 189800

How to pronounce Idah

EYE·DEE·AH

/ˈaɪ.ˈdiː.ˈɑ/ · stress on EYE · 2 syllables

“A name of unknown origin, but often associated with purity and gentleness.”

American origin · Girl name

What does Idah mean and where does it come from?

Idah is a relatively rare name, particularly in the United States. It may also be linked to the state of Idaho, which was named by a man who claimed it was a Shoshone word meaning 'the sun coming down the mountain.' The name Idah itself does not have a strong historical presence, and its origins are

Cultural significance

Idah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a name of unknown origin, but often associated with purity and gentleness..

Peak popularity

Reached #1936 in 1898 — currently #1861 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Idah?

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

Idah Grace

How popular is Idah right now?

Holding steady — currently #1861 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1861 · Top 1.4%

1915

1920

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1861	339	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2022	#1866	319	▲ up 5 · +10% births
2021	#1871	289	▲ up 2225 · +4029% births
1920	#4096	7	▼ down 175 · +17% births
1915	#3921	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Idah

Best Year2023Rank #1861

Peak Count339

Average Rank#2723

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1915 - 20235 years

The story of Idah

Idah has been a beloved American name for over 126 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1898. With 40 total births recorded, Idah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3921 in 1915 to #1861 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Idah in 1898:

Mary Anna Helen Margaret Ruth

Idah by decade

Idah peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	5
1910s ★	28
1920s	7

💎Idah has only 40 total recorded births since 1898 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Idah?

Common

IdIdieIdy

What names sound and feel like Idah?

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

Idar

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

American · English/Spanish

Ridah

Arabic · Arabic

Micah

American · Who is like

Ijah

Hebrew · Yah is gracious

Common questions about the name Idah

What does the name Idah mean?

Idah means "A name of unknown origin, but often associated with purity and gentleness." — a name rooted in American 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 Idah?

Idah 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 Idah?

Idah originates from American tradition. American 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 Idah?

Idah is a two-syllable name pronounced AY1 D IY1 AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Idah a common or rare name?

Idah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.