The name Frieda originated from the Germanic languages, specifically Old High German and Old Saxon. It is a feminine form of the male name Fried, which means "peace" or "calm." The name can be traced back to the 8th century and was popular among the Germanic tribes.

In Old High German, the name was spelled as "Fridu" or "Frida," while in Old Saxon, it was written as "Fridu" or "Fridū." The name eventually evolved into the modern spelling of "Frieda" in various German dialects and other Germanic languages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Frieda can be found in the "Nibelungenlied," a legendary German epic poem from the 13th century. In the poem, Kriemhild, the wife of Siegfried, is sometimes referred to as "Frida" or "Frida Kriemhild."

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Frieda. One of the most famous was Frieda Kahlo (1907-1954), the renowned Mexican painter known for her self-portraits and depictions of Mexican culture. Another prominent Frieda was Frieda von Richthofen (1879-1956), the wife of the famous World War I fighter pilot Manfred von Richthofen, also known as the "Red Baron."

Other notable individuals with the name Frieda include:

1. Frieda Arkin (1904-1989), an American photographer and photojournalist known for her work during the Great Depression.
2. Frieda Belinfante (1904-1995), a Dutch cellist and conductor who helped establish the first all-female orchestra in the Netherlands.
3. Frieda Fromm-Reichmann (1889-1957), a German-American psychoanalyst and pioneer in the field of psychotherapy for schizophrenia.
4. Frieda Hempel (1885-1955), a German soprano who achieved fame in the early 20th century for her performances in operas by Richard Strauss and other composers.
5. Frieda Zamba (1941-2022), an Argentine actress and comedian known for her work in theater, film, and television in Argentina and Latin America.

While the name Frieda has roots in Germanic languages, it has been adopted and popularized in various cultures around the world, reflecting its enduring appeal and historical significance.