Find out how popular the first name Velda has been for the last 47 years (from 1974 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Velda by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Velda is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Velda.

The history of the first name Velda

The given name Velda has its origins in the Old Norse language, originating from the word "veld" which means "ruler" or "power." This name was commonly used in Scandinavian countries during the Viking era, and it was often given to girls born into noble or influential families.

Velda was a popular name among the ancient Norse people, and it is believed to have been derived from the name of the Norse goddess of love and fertility, Freyja. In Norse mythology, Freyja was revered as a powerful and influential deity, and the name Velda was likely chosen to bestow upon the bearer the qualities of strength, authority, and prosperity.

The earliest recorded use of the name Velda dates back to the 9th century, when it appeared in various Norse sagas and historical records. One of the most notable historical figures bearing this name was Velda Halfdanardóttir, a 10th-century Norwegian princess who was the daughter of King Halfdan the Black.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Velda gained popularity across various parts of Europe, particularly in Scandinavia and Germany. Several notable individuals from this period bore this name, including Velda of Saxony (c. 1050 - 1116), a German noblewoman and landowner, and Velda of Plesse (c. 1200 - 1270), a German abbess and religious leader.

In the Renaissance period, the name Velda was less common, but it did appear in some historical records and literary works. One notable figure was Velda Gonzaga (1472 - 1525), an Italian noblewoman and patron of the arts who was known for her support of artists and intellectuals during the Italian Renaissance.

As the name Velda transitioned into the modern era, it maintained its association with strength, power, and authority. Several notable women bore this name, including Velda Muir (1888 - 1954), an American writer and educator, and Velda von Tresckow (1903 - 1981), a German aristocrat and member of the German resistance movement during World War II.

Throughout its history, the name Velda has been associated with powerful and influential women, reflecting its origins as a name bestowed upon those born into nobility or positions of authority. While its popularity has waxed and waned over the centuries, it remains a unique and distinctive name with a rich cultural heritage.

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

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

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