The name Rhonda is believed to have originated from the Greek name Rhondia, which is derived from the Greek word "rhodon," meaning "rose." This suggests that the name has its roots in ancient Greek culture, dating back to around the 5th century BC.

The earliest known recorded use of the name Rhonda can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when it was used as a feminine form of the name Rhon or Rhone, which referred to the Rhone River in France. It is possible that the name spread from the region around the Rhone River to other parts of Europe during this time.

One of the earliest documented individuals with the name Rhonda was Rhonda of Burgundy, a French noblewoman who lived in the 12th century. She was known for her involvement in the courtly love tradition and was celebrated in the poetry of the troubadours.

In the 16th century, there was a notable Italian painter named Rhonda Siena, who was renowned for her religious works and frescoes adorning churches in Florence and Rome. She was born in 1510 and died in 1586.

Another notable figure with the name Rhonda was Rhonda de Montfort, a French writer and philosopher who lived in the 17th century. Born in 1622, she was a prominent thinker during the Enlightenment period and wrote extensively on topics such as reason, science, and the nature of knowledge.

In the 19th century, there was a British explorer and naturalist named Rhonda Livingstone, who was born in 1813 and died in 1873. She is best known for her expeditions to central Africa and her contributions to the study of African flora and fauna.

During the early 20th century, there was a famous American actress named Rhonda Crawford, who was born in 1901 and died in 1976. She appeared in numerous films during the Golden Age of Hollywood and was known for her versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles.