Origin and meaning of the name Zelda

The given name Zelda originates from Old High German and Old English roots. It is derived from the elements "gelda" (battle) or "galt" (command, control) combined with "hildr" (battle-wolf, battle-warrior). This name was first recorded in England during the Middle Ages as a combination of these elements and it became more popularized in Germany. The name gained further prominence through the fictional character Zelda from Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda video game series. However, the specific usage of the name in various languages and cultures might have slight variations due to local adaptations and cultural influences over time.

Learn more about the origin of the name Zelda

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Zelda

The name Zelda is of Germanic origin, specifically derived from the Old High German "Giseltrud," composed of the elements "Gisil" (pledge or hostage) and "trud" (strength or battle-girl). Over time, this name evolved into its current form in various Western languages. In English, Zelda was popularized as the given name of a fictional character created by American video game designers Shigeru Miyamoto and Toru Nakao for The Legend of Zelda series. First appearing in 1986, Zelda has since become an iconic figure in video games. In literature, Zelda Fitzgerald was the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald and a notable author herself. As such, Zelda carries associations with creativity, strength, and resilience in both literary and gaming cultures.

Character traits associated with the name Zelda

The name Zelda is often associated with individuals who possess a strong sense of creativity and imagination. These people are known for their ability to think outside the box and come up with unique ideas. They tend to be independent, preferring to chart their own paths in life rather than following the crowd. Zeldas are also known for their resourcefulness, as they have a knack for finding solutions to problems that others might consider insurmountable. On the emotional side, they can be sensitive and empathetic, demonstrating a deep understanding of others' feelings and needs. However, they may also show stubbornness when it comes to matters they feel strongly about, refusing to back down from their beliefs. In social situations, Zelda's are often seen as charismatic and charming, attracting a wide circle of friends due to their engaging personality. They are loyal companions, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement when needed.

Popularity of the name Zelda

The name Zelda is moderately popular across various cultures, but its usage and recognition can vary significantly depending on the region. In the United States, Zelda ranks among the top 2,000 names for girls, according to recent data from the Social Security Administration, with a consistent presence in the name charts over the past century. The name has seen a resurgence in popularity since the late 1990s and early 2000s, possibly influenced by the character Zelda from the popular video game series "The Legend of Zelda." In other English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, the name Zelda is not as common but still holds a certain appeal to parents seeking unique and strong names for their daughters. In non-English speaking regions such as Germany and Finland, where the name has roots, Zelda enjoys a higher degree of popularity and cultural significance.

Famous people with the name Zelda

Zelda Fitzgerald (1900-1948), an American author and social figure, was known for her vivid personality and turbulent relationship with her husband F. Scott Fitzgerald. Despite being overshadowed by him during their lifetimes, she gained posthumous recognition as a significant writer, publishing works such as "Save Me the Waltz" and "This Side of Paradise."

Another notable Zelda is Zelda Williams (born 1983), an American actress and comedian. She is best known for her role in the TV series "Robot Chicken" and for being the daughter of late comedian Robin Williams. Her career mirrors her father's versatility, spanning various media including film, television, and social media.

Lastly, Zelda La Grrange (1879-1964), born in South Africa, was a prominent figure in the early days of Hollywood. She started as an extra and rose to become a successful production manager and director during the silent film era. Her work included managing the production of D.W. Griffith's epic "Intolerance."

Variations of the name Zelda

The name Zelda originates from Germanic roots and has several variations across different cultures and languages. Here are some of them:

1. Zeldagrid - A combination of the name Zelda and the Old English word "grid," meaning "grit" or "power."
2. Zelindra - A variation with a Slavic sound, derived from Zelda by adding the suffix "-andra," which is common in many Slavic names.
3. Zeldora - A form of Zelda that uses the "-ora" suffix often found in medieval female names, like Euphoria or Clarissa.
4. Zeldita - A diminutive form of Zelda in Spanish-speaking regions, similar to calling someone "Zelda-the-little."
5. Zeldine - A variation that uses the French suffix "-ine," making it sound more feminine and elegant.
6. Zelidia - A creative spelling variation that adds the "-dia" ending, often found in Greek and Spanish names like Thekla or Sofia.
7. Zeldorae - A unique twist on Zelda, adding the Latin suffix "-ae," usually used for feminine nouns, giving it a sense of ancient nobility.
8. Zeldara - Another variant with a medieval feel, combining the name Zelda with the Old English suffix "-ara," as seen in names like Agnes or Gertrude.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "zelda"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends