What does Imelda mean and where does it come from?
Imelda is a name with roots in Old German, meaning 'universal battle maiden'. It is prevalent in Spanish and Italian cultures, often chosen for its regal and powerful connotations. One notable figure is Imelda Marcos, the former First Lady of the Philippines. The name has a classic feel and has been
Cultural significance
Imelda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of universal battle maiden.
Peak popularity
Reached #775 in 1911 — currently #4398 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Imelda?
Imelda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Imelda Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Imelda Rose
Floral · soft ending
Imelda Mae
Sweet · timeless
Imelda Claire
French influence · crisp
Imelda Jane
Literary · strong
Imelda Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Imelda right now?
Falling — down 83 spots — currently #4398 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4398 | 32 | ▼ down 83 · -3% births |
| 2022 | #4315 | 33 | ▼ down 415 · -13% births |
| 2021 | #3900 | 38 | ▼ down 330 · -7% births |
| 2020 | #3570 | 41 | ▲ up 3148 · +128% births |
| 2015 | #6718 | 18 | ▼ down 1289 · -28% births |
| 2010 | #5429 | 25 | ▼ down 2492 · -55% births |
| 2005 | #2937 | 55 | ▼ down 344 · -4% births |
| 2000 | #2593 | 57 | ▼ down 938 · -36% births |
| 1995 | #1655 | 89 | ▲ up 16 · +1% births |
| 1990 | #1671 | 88 | ▼ down 14 · +24% births |
| 1985 | #1657 | 71 | ▼ down 514 · -40% births |
| 1980 | #1143 | 119 | ▼ down 211 · -13% births |
| 1975 | #932 | 137 | ▲ up 124 · +18% births |
| 1970 | #1056 | 116 | ▲ up 172 · +51% births |
| 1965 | #1228 | 77 | — |
The story of Imelda
Imelda has been a beloved American name for over 133 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1891. With 7,294 total births recorded, Imelda remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1405 in 1895, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #4398 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Imelda in 1911:
Imelda by decade
Imelda peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 33 | |
| 1900s | 105 | |
| 1910s | 457 | |
| 1920s | 597 | |
| 1930s | 476 | |
| 1940s | 412 | |
| 1950s | 666 | |
| 1960s | 786 | |
| 1970s ★ | 1,283 | |
| 1980s | 897 | |
| 1990s | 748 | |
| 2000s | 510 | |
| 2010s | 283 | |
| 2020s | 41 | |
💎With 7,294 total births, Imelda is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Imelda?
Famous people named Imelda
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Imelda (Spanish royal)
Imelda held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
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Imelda (Flamenco artist)
Imelda carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
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Imelda (Latin American historical figure)
Imelda used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
I(
Imelda (Spanish royal)
Imelda held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Imelda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Imelda also consider these
How is Imelda written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Imelda
What does the name Imelda mean?
Imelda means "universal battle maiden" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Imelda?
Imelda is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Imelda have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Imelda?
Imelda originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Imelda?
Imelda is a three-syllable name pronounced IH2 M 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 Imelda?
Imelda pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.