Imelda

“universal battle maiden”

Spanish origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#4398US 2023

32Births / yr

↓Falling

7.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 189100.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Imelda

im·ELD·uh

/ˌɪm.ˈɛld.ə/ · stress on ELD · 3 syllables

“universal battle maiden”

Spanish origin · Girl name

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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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

How popular is Imelda right now?

Falling — down 83 spots — currently #4398 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1895–2023#4398 · Top 3.2%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Imelda

Best Year1930Rank #873

Peak Count137

Average Rank#2063

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

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:

Mary Helen Margaret Dorothy Ruth

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?

Common

ImeImImieImyElda

Famous people named Imelda

Imelda (Spanish royal)

Imelda held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.

Imelda (Flamenco artist)

Imelda carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.

Imelda (Latin American historical figure)

Imelda used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.

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 2025

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What names sound and feel like Imelda?

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

Inelda

Spanish · Shining light

Iselda

Spanish · ice ruler

Ismelda

Spanish · The one who

Imalda

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Imela

Nigerian · thank you

Imelida

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Imesha

Sri Lanka · Daughter of the

Ymelda

Spain · strong warrior

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.