Find out how popular the first name Gyda has been for the last 7 years (from 2017 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gyda by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Gyda is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Gyda.

The history of the first name Gyda

The name Gyda is a feminine given name of Old Norse origin, derived from the Old Norse word "gyðja," meaning "goddess" or "priestess." This name has its roots in the ancient Norse mythology and cultural beliefs of the Viking Age, which spanned from the late 8th century to the late 11th century.

The name Gyda gained popularity in Scandinavia, particularly in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, during the Viking era. It was often given to girls born into prominent families or those with strong ties to the Norse religious traditions and beliefs. The name carried a sense of reverence and respect for the powerful female deities of the Norse pantheon.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Gyda can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, which are a collection of ancient Norse literary works. In the Saga of Erik the Red, a woman named Gyda is mentioned as the mother of Leif Erikson, the famous Norse explorer credited with being the first European to set foot on the shores of North America.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Gyda. One famous figure is Gyda of Valldres (c. 1000), a Norwegian noblewoman who played a significant role in the conversion of Norway to Christianity. Another prominent Gyda was Gyda Matsdotter (c. 1210-1284), a Swedish landowner and one of the wealthiest individuals in medieval Sweden.

In the 13th century, Gyda Eriksdotter (c. 1240-1318) was a Swedish noblewoman and the wife of Birger Jarl, a powerful Swedish statesman and regent. She is known for her involvement in the construction of various churches and monasteries in Sweden.

Moving forward in time, Gyda Christensdatter Lem (1544-1618) was a Norwegian landowner and businesswoman who played a significant role in the development of the Norwegian timber trade industry during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Another notable figure is Gyda Skat-Rørdam (1858-1924), a Danish author and women's rights activist who campaigned for the legal and social recognition of unmarried mothers and their children in Denmark.

While the name Gyda has its roots in ancient Norse culture, it continues to be used as a given name in Scandinavia and other parts of the world, albeit with varying degrees of popularity. The name carries a rich historical legacy and a connection to the powerful female figures of Norse mythology and folklore.

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

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

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