Relda
A feminine name of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of "Geraldine".
Name Census estimates that about 151 living Americans carry the first name Relda. The name is used almost exclusively for girls. The average person named Relda today is around 77 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Relda births was 1942 (19 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Relda. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
Key insights
- • The typical person named Relda is about 77 years old today, placing it firmly among the names of earlier generations. Most living Reldas were born before 1959.
People living today
151
~ 1 in 2,269,896 Americans
Peak year
1942
19 babies that year
Average age
77
years old
1964 SSA rank
#6,599
Tracked since 1902
Popularity
Relda: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Relda from the 1900s through to the 1960s, spanning 7 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 1920s, with 133 total registrations. Usage has dropped considerably from its 1920s peak. The most recent decade brought in only a fraction of the registrations that the name once attracted.
Babies born per year
Decades
Relda by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Relda during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Geography
Where Reldas live
Origin
Meaning and history of Relda
The name Relda is a feminine given name of uncertain origin, but it is believed to have roots in various ancient languages and cultures. One possible origin is from the Old Germanic word "reald," meaning "wise" or "prudent," suggesting that the name may have been initially bestowed upon individuals who were regarded as wise or possessing great intellect.
Another theory traces the name's lineage to the Old English word "ræl," which signified a rail or bar, possibly referring to strength or firmness of character. Alternatively, some linguists have proposed a connection to the Old Norse word "ráða," which translates to "to rule" or "to govern," potentially indicating a name bestowed upon those in positions of authority or leadership.
In ancient texts and historical records, the name Relda appears to have been relatively uncommon, with only a few notable mentions. One of the earliest recorded instances dates back to the 9th century, when a noblewoman named Relda was mentioned in the annals of the Frankish Empire during the reign of Charlemagne.
Throughout history, several individuals have borne the name Relda, though their fame and impact have varied. In the 12th century, Relda of Saxony was a renowned abbess and scholar who played a significant role in the propagation of religious teachings and the preservation of ancient manuscripts.
During the Renaissance period, Relda Marconi (1492-1556), an Italian artist and painter, gained recognition for her vibrant frescoes adorning the walls of churches and noble residences across northern Italy.
In the 19th century, Relda Hoffmann (1822-1892), a German writer and activist, championed women's rights and advocated for educational reforms, leaving a lasting legacy in the struggle for gender equality.
More recently, Relda Bright (1901-1986), an American philanthropist and businesswoman, made significant contributions to various charitable organizations, supporting initiatives in education, healthcare, and cultural preservation.
Another notable figure was Relda Niedrich (1920-2005), a pioneering aviator and one of the first women to serve as a commercial airline pilot, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
While the name Relda has never achieved widespread popularity, it has persisted through the ages, carried by individuals who have left their mark on various aspects of human endeavor, from scholarly pursuits to artistic expression, social reform, and professional achievements.
People
Relda + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Relda as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with R
Other first names starting with R with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Relda: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Relda?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 151 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Relda going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 2,269,896 US residents.
Is Relda a common name?
We classify Relda as "Very Rare". It ranks above 70.4% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 565 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Relda most popular?
The single biggest year for Relda was 1942, when 19 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Relda is about 77 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Relda a female name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Relda in the SSA data are female. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.