What does Zilda mean and where does it come from?
The name Zilda is of Portuguese origin, derived from the word related to 'sacred', often considered a diminutive of names containing 'Zélia' or 'Zélie'. It is primarily used in Brazil and Portugal. The name has seen varying degrees of popularity, and while not commonly used in modern contexts, it ha
Cultural significance
Zilda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Brazil-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a beloved name with deep roots.
Peak popularity
Reached #1799 in 1897 — currently #1554 in the US.
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Related Reading
Brazil-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Zilda?
Zilda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Zilda Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Zilda Rose
Floral · soft ending
Zilda Mae
Sweet · timeless
Zilda Claire
French influence · crisp
Zilda Jane
Literary · strong
Zilda Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Zilda right now?
Holding steady — currently #1554 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1554 | 646 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1559 | 626 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1564 | 596 | ▲ up 3552 · +11820% births |
| 1925 | #5116 | 5 | ▼ down 712 |
| 1915 | #4404 | 5 | ▼ down 2279 |
| 1905 | #2125 | 5 | ▼ down 250 · -17% births |
| 1900 | #1875 | 6 | — |
The story of Zilda
Zilda has been a beloved American name for over 127 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1897. With 66 total births recorded, Zilda remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1875 in 1900 to #1554 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Zilda in 1897:
Zilda by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 11 | |
| 1910s ★ | 35 | |
| 1920s | 15 | |
💎Zilda has only 66 total recorded births since 1897 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Zilda?
What names sound and feel like Zilda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Zilda also consider these
Common questions about the name Zilda
What does the name Zilda mean?
Zilda means "A beloved name with deep roots" — a name rooted in Brazil 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 Zilda?
Zilda 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 Zilda?
Zilda originates from Brazil tradition. Brazil 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 Zilda?
Zilda is a two-syllable name pronounced Z IH1 L D AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Zilda a common or rare name?
Zilda is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.