The name Frida has its origins in the Germanic languages, derived from the Old High German name Frid, which means "peace." It is related to the Old English word "frið," meaning "peace, protection, security." The name likely emerged during the Middle Ages, between the 5th and 15th centuries.

In the 9th century, the name Frida appeared in the medieval German epic poem "Hildebrandslied," one of the oldest surviving works of German literature. This suggests that the name was in use among the Germanic tribes during that time period. It was also a common name among the Langobards, a Germanic people who ruled large parts of Italy from the 6th to 8th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Frida was Frida of Toul, a Frankish abbess who lived in the 7th century. She founded the Abbey of St. Avold in the Lorraine region of present-day France. Another notable early bearer of the name was Frida of Quedlinburg, a 10th-century German noblewoman and abbess.

In the 19th century, the name Frida gained widespread popularity, particularly in Scandinavian countries and Germany. One of the most famous Fridas was the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), known for her vibrant self-portraits and her tumultuous marriage to the painter Diego Rivera.

Other notable historical figures named Frida include Frida Stéenhoff (1865-1949), a Swedish writer and feminist; Frida Winkelmann (1876-1942), a German actress and film director; Frida Boccara (1940-1996), a French singer of Tunisian origin; and Frida Arvidsson (1833-1928), a Swedish activist who fought for women's rights and the abolition of slavery.

Throughout history, the name Frida has been associated with strength, resilience, and a sense of peace or tranquility, perhaps due to its Germanic origins and meaning. Despite its ancient roots, the name has remained popular and continues to be used in various cultures around the world.