What does Zelda mean and where does it come from?
Zelda is of Yiddish origin, derived from the Hebrew word 'zivah,' meaning 'blessed' or 'happy.' The name gained fame during the early 20th century and is notably associated with the writer Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of American author F. Scott Fitzgerald. The name has become popular in modern culture, p
Cultural significance
Zelda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Yiddish-speaking countries-speaking communities, where it reflects values of blessed, happy.
Peak popularity
Reached #375 in 1911 — currently #832 in the US.
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Related Reading
Yiddish-speaking countries-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Zelda?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Zelda?
Zelda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Zelda Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Zelda Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Zelda Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Zelda Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Zelda Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Zelda Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Zelda right now?
Falling — down 83 spots — currently #832 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #832 | 328 | ▼ down 83 · -13% births |
| 2024 | #749 | 377 | ▼ down 45 · -6% births |
| 2023 | #704 | 403 | ▼ down 33 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #671 | 435 | ▼ down 63 · -12% births |
| 2021 | #608 | 492 | ▼ down 50 · -6% births |
| 2020 | #558 | 524 | ▲ up 86 · +18% births |
| 2015 | #644 | 443 | ▲ up 1970 · +542% births |
| 2010 | #2614 | 69 | ▲ up 1033 · +73% births |
| 2005 | #3647 | 40 | ▲ up 338 · +29% births |
| 2000 | #3985 | 31 | ▲ up 9418 · +520% births |
| 1995 | #13403 | 5 | ▼ down 8343 · -72% births |
| 1990 | #5060 | 18 | ▲ up 296 · +38% births |
| 1985 | #5356 | 13 | ▼ down 1360 · -32% births |
| 1980 | #3996 | 19 | ▼ down 1251 · -30% births |
| 1975 | #2745 | 27 | — |
The story of Zelda
Zelda has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 14,696 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #834 in 1880 to #704 in 2023. Zelda is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Zelda in 1911:
Zelda by decade
Zelda peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 62 | |
| 1890s | 254 | |
| 1900s | 595 | |
| 1910s | 1,854 | |
| 1920s | 2,376 | |
| 1930s | 1,655 | |
| 1940s | 1,074 | |
| 1950s | 1,160 | |
| 1960s | 1,265 | |
| 1970s | 306 | |
| 1980s | 154 | |
| 1990s | 144 | |
| 2000s | 391 | |
| 2010s ★ | 2,882 | |
| 2020s | 1,229 | |
What are good nicknames for Zelda?
What names sound and feel like Zelda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Zelda also consider these
Common questions about the name Zelda
What does the name Zelda mean?
Zelda means "blessed, happy" — a name rooted in Yiddish-speaking countries 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 Zelda?
Zelda is currently ranked #704 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Zelda?
Zelda originates from Yiddish-speaking countries tradition. Yiddish-speaking countries 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 Zelda?
Zelda is a two-syllable name pronounced ZELD-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Zelda more of a girl or boy name?
Zelda is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.