Zelda
Zelda first appears in US records in 0. It peaked in 2020, when 526 girls were given the name.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Zelda popular?
Rising Zelda has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.
| 2020s | 2,561 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 2,889 | |
| 2000s | 391 | |
| 1990s | 144 | |
| 1980s | 154 | |
| 1970s | 305 | |
| 1960s | 1,265 | |
| 1950s | 1,160 | |
| 1940s | 1,074 | |
| 1930s | 1,650 | |
| 1920s | 2,376 | |
| 1910s | 1,854 | |
| 1900s | 595 | |
| 1890s | 254 | |
| 1880s | 62 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Zelda mean?
Commonly a short form of Griselda, from Germanic 'gris' (grey) and 'hild' (battle). A separate Yiddish name Zelda meaning roughly 'blessed/happy' also exists, so the battle sense specifically traces to the Griselda line.
Names like Zelda
germanic names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Zelda
Popular germanic names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Zelda
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zelda mean?
Zelda means Battle (grey battle-maid). Commonly a short form of Griselda, from Germanic 'gris' (grey) and 'hild' (battle). A separate Yiddish name Zelda meaning roughly 'blessed/happy' also exists, so the battle sense specifically traces to the Griselda line.
What is the origin of the name Zelda?
Zelda is of germanic origin.
How do you pronounce Zelda?
Zelda is pronounced “ZEL-duh.”
Is Zelda a boy or a girl name?
Zelda is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Zelda a popular name right now?
Zelda has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.
How popular is the name Zelda?
In 2025, Zelda ranked #832 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Zelda most popular?
Zelda was most popular in 2020, when about 526 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Zelda?
Names similar to Zelda include Rosalind, Griselda, Matilda, Hildegard, Hilda.
What names go well with Zelda?
germanic names that pair well with Zelda include Robert, William, Charles, Emma, Walter.