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

Popularity of Griselda by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Griselda is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Griselda being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 51 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Griselda.

The history of the first name Griselda

The name Griselda originated from the Old German word "gris," meaning "gray-haired" or "dark." It was derived from the root word "gris," which was ultimately rooted in the Proto-Germanic word "grisan," meaning "to tremble or shudder." The name has been used since the Middle Ages, primarily in Europe.

One of the earliest and most famous references to the name Griselda comes from Giovanni Boccaccio's 14th-century work, "The Decameron." In this collection of novellas, Griselda is the patient and obedient wife of the Marquis of Saluzzo, who tests her loyalty through a series of cruel trials. Her story became a popular example of wifely obedience in medieval literature.

In the 16th century, Griselda was a relatively common name in England. One notable figure was Griselda Neville (c. 1499-1568), an English noblewoman and daughter of Richard Neville, 2nd Baron Latimer. She was married to Thomas Manners, 1st Earl of Rutland, and played a significant role in the English Reformation.

Another historical figure named Griselda was Griselda Pollock (1646-1673), an English woman who was one of the earliest recorded victims of the Salem Witch Trials in colonial Massachusetts. She was accused of witchcraft and executed by hanging in 1673.

In the 18th century, Griselda Bateman (1747-1789) was a British writer and educator who published a collection of poems and was known for her work on female education. She was also a member of the Blue Stocking Society, a prominent literary group of the time.

Griselda Grimwood (1804-1866) was a British painter and illustrator who was known for her watercolor paintings of flowers and landscapes. She exhibited her works at the Royal Academy and other prestigious institutions during her lifetime.

While the name Griselda was more common in earlier centuries, it has maintained a presence throughout history, with notable individuals bearing the name in various fields, including literature, art, and historical events.

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 Griselda was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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