The name Aida has its origins in the Germanic languages, derived from the Old High German "ait" meaning "noble kind" or "noble sort." It first emerged in the early medieval period, around the 7th or 8th century CE, in what is now modern-day Germany and the surrounding regions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Aida can be found in the ancient Germanic epic poem "Nibelungenlied," written around the 13th century. In the poem, Aida is mentioned as a minor character, suggesting the name was in use during that time period.

In the 16th century, the name gained prominence with the birth of Aida Overton Walker (1880-1914), an African American entertainer and performer who was a pioneer in the early days of vaudeville and musical theater. She was known for her innovative dance routines and her ability to blend various cultural influences into her performances.

Another notable figure with the name Aida was Aida de Acosta (1884-1962), a Cuban-American writer, and activist. She was one of the first Latinas to publish a novel in English, and her works often explored themes of gender, race, and identity.

In the realm of classical music, the name Aida is perhaps most famously associated with the renowned opera of the same name, composed by Giuseppe Verdi in 1871. The opera tells the story of an Ethiopian princess named Aida, who is captured and brought into slavery in Egypt.

Another influential figure with the name Aida was Aida Tomescu (1886-1937), a Romanian painter and sculptor. She was a prominent figure in the avant-garde art movement and is credited with introducing modernist styles to Romanian art.

Lastly, Aida Curt (1915-2005) was a Romanian-American scientist and engineer who made significant contributions to the field of aerodynamics. She worked for NASA and played a crucial role in the development of the Mercury and Gemini space programs.