Find out how popular the first name Nedra has been for the last 43 years (from 1974 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nedra by gender

Based on the last 43 years of data, Nedra is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nedra.

The history of the first name Nedra

The name Nedra is of Slavic origin, deriving from the Russian word "nadezda," meaning "hope" or "trust." It is believed to have emerged during the Middle Ages, when the Slavic cultures flourished across Eastern Europe.

Nedra was a popular name among the Russian nobility and upper classes, often given to daughters as a symbol of hope and optimism. In the 16th century, the name appeared in several Russian literary works, including the epic poem "The Tale of Igor's Campaign" and the chronicles of the Muscovite Grand Duchy.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nedra was in the 12th century, when a noblewoman named Nedra Borisovna was mentioned in the annals of the Kievan Rus'. She was the daughter of Prince Boris Vladimirovich and is believed to have been a patron of the arts and culture.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Nedra. In the 19th century, Nedra Ivanovna Bunkina (1812-1887) was a prominent Russian philanthropist and advocate for women's education. She founded several schools and orphanages in St. Petersburg and was known for her charitable work.

Another famous bearer of the name was Nedra Kressman (1904-1997), an American actress and vaudeville performer. She appeared in numerous Broadway productions and Hollywood films in the 1920s and 1930s, and was known for her comedic talents.

In the realm of literature, Nedra Volz (1923-2003) was an acclaimed American novelist and short story writer. Her works explored themes of family, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. She was awarded the prestigious O. Henry Prize for her short story "The Veins of the Earth" in 1954.

Nedra Moss (1936-2016) was a pioneering African American journalist and civil rights activist. She worked for several prominent publications, including the Chicago Sun-Times and Ebony magazine, and played a crucial role in amplifying the voices of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

Lastly, Nedra Talley (born 1946) is a renowned American dancer and choreographer. She has been a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater since 1965 and has choreographed numerous acclaimed works, contributing significantly to the preservation and promotion of African American dance traditions.

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

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

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