Find out how popular the first name Malynda has been for the last 48 years (from 1974 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Malynda by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Malynda is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Malynda.

The history of the first name Malynda

The given name Malynda is believed to have originated from the Old English language, derived from the combination of two words: "mæl" meaning "speech" or "communication," and "lind" meaning "linden tree" or "shield made of linden wood." This suggests that the name may have initially been associated with concepts of eloquence, protection, or a connection to nature.

During the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain, which lasted from the 5th to the 11th centuries, variations of the name, such as "Maelind" or "Mælind," were not uncommon. It is possible that the name was initially used as a descriptive byname or nickname before becoming a standard given name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of a name similar to Malynda can be found in the Old English poem "Beowulf," which dates back to around the 8th or 9th century. In this epic, a character named "Mæglind" is mentioned, though it is unclear whether this was a personal name or a descriptive term.

Throughout the medieval period, the name continued to appear in various forms, such as "Malinda" or "Melinda," in different regions of Europe. It is worth noting that during this time, spelling conventions were not as standardized as they are today, leading to numerous variations.

One notable historical figure who bore a name similar to Malynda was Melinda of Sempringham (c. 1135-1201), an English noblewoman and religious reformer who founded the Gilbertine Order, a monastic community that followed Augustinian rules.

Another notable individual was Malinda Blalock (1776-1855), an American pioneer and early settler in the state of Tennessee. She is remembered for her role in establishing the town of Blountville and her contributions to the development of the region.

In the realm of literature, Melinda Haynes (1920-2008) was an American novelist and short story writer, best known for her works exploring the lives of African American women in the rural South.

Malinda Cramer (1768-1844) was a Dutch-American Quaker minister and abolitionist who advocated for the abolition of slavery and the rights of Native Americans.

Lastly, Malinda Lo (born 1974) is a contemporary American author known for her works of young adult fiction, particularly focused on LGBTQ+ themes and diverse characters.

While the origins of the name Malynda can be traced back to Old English roots, its enduring popularity throughout different eras and cultures demonstrates its lasting appeal and adaptability across generations.

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

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

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