Find out how popular the first name Alda has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Alda by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Alda is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Alda.

The history of the first name Alda

The given name Alda has its origins in the ancient Germanic languages, with roots dating back to the 5th century AD. It is derived from the Old Germanic word "ald," meaning "old" or "aged." This term was often used as a prefix to denote wisdom, respect, and maturity.

In the early medieval period, the name Alda gained popularity among the Anglo-Saxon and Frankish peoples. It was particularly common in regions that are now parts of modern-day Germany, the Netherlands, and England. Variations in spelling, such as Aldah, Aldia, and Aldha, were also found in historical records from this era.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Alda can be found in the medieval English poem "Beowulf," which dates back to around the 8th or 9th century AD. In this epic work, Alda is the name of a minor character, a warrior who fought alongside the legendary hero Beowulf.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Alda. One of the most famous was Alda the Fair (c. 888-929), a German noblewoman who was the second wife of King Louis the Blind of Provence. Another prominent figure was Alda Ferida (c. 1020-1090), a Lombard princess and the wife of Robert Guiscard, the Norman ruler of southern Italy.

In the 12th century, Alda of Sarres (c. 1152-1200) was a French noblewoman who played a significant role in the Third Crusade, serving as a confidante and advisor to Richard the Lionheart, the King of England. Centuries later, Alda Merini (1931-2009) was an acclaimed Italian poet and writer, renowned for her powerful and evocative works.

Additionally, the name Alda has been associated with several fictional characters throughout literature and popular culture. One notable example is Alda the Huntress, a recurring character in the fantasy novels of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, where she is depicted as a skilled archer and warrior.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Alda was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Alda, please contact us.

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