The surname Imelda is of Spanish origin, derived from the given name "Imelda," which is a variant of the name Ermenegilda. The name Ermenegilda itself comes from Germanic roots, specifically Ermin- (meaning 'universal') and gild (meaning 'battle'). Over time, the name evolved into various forms in different countries, with Imelda being one of them. In Spain, it gained popularity as a given name and later as a surname due to its association with the famous Saint Imelda de' Romanis. However, it's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins or variations based on historical records and migrations.
The name Imelda is of Latin origin and is derived from the given name Emerald, which means "emerald" in Old German. It is believed to have been popularized by Saint Imelda Lambertini, an Italian saint who lived during the 14th century. The saint was known for her virtues and devotion to God, and her life story became widely known through legends and hagiographies. The name Imelda subsequently gained popularity in various parts of Europe, and it has been used as a given name and surname in many cultures. As a surname, Imelda may be associated with individuals of Italian or Spanish descent who are named after the saint, although its usage may also be due to other factors such as geographical origin, occupation, or personal preference.
The surname Imelda has a diverse geographical distribution, primarily originating from Spain and the Philippines. In Spain, it is most commonly found in the regions of Galicia and Asturias, reflecting its Basque origins. In the Philippines, it gained popularity due to the country's rich Spanish heritage and the notable figure Imelda Marcos, former First Lady. Beyond these two countries, there are significant Imelda populations in other Spanish-speaking nations such as Mexico, Argentina, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Additionally, the surname can be found in various parts of the United States, Canada, and Australia, particularly among Filipino and Hispanic communities who have emigrated from these regions.
The spelling and variations of the surname Imelda include:
1. Imelda - This is the most common spelling of the name. It is derived from Old Germanic roots, with "im" meaning "maiden" or "young girl" and "hild" meaning "battle."
2. Immelda - This is a less common variation of the name, with an additional 'm' in the middle.
3. Imeldu - This is another spelling variation, which may occur due to differences in regional dialects or transcription errors over time.
4. Yimelda - In some cultures, names are often transcribed phonetically when written in a different language, resulting in variations like "Yimelda."
5. Imeldia - A rare variation of the name with an additional 'd' at the end.
6. Imelitia - This is another less common variant, where the 'd' from "hild" is replaced with a 't.'
7. Emelda - In some cases, the name may be spelled with an 'e' instead of an 'i,' although this is less common and may not necessarily represent the same surname.
Imelda Marcos, born in 1929, is a prominent figure with the surname Imelda. She served as the First Lady of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986 during her husband's presidency, Ferdinand E. Marcos. Imelda Marcos is known for her extensive collection of shoes, which reportedly numbers over 3,000 pairs. However, she gained international attention for allegations of corruption and human rights abuses during the Marcos regime. In 1986, after the People Power Revolution, the Marcos family was forced into exile in Hawaii. In 1991, Imelda Marcos returned to the Philippines and ran for a congressional seat, which she won. Since then, she has remained active in Philippine politics and philanthropy. Another notable person with the surname Imelda is Imelda Papin (born 1950), a French-Filipino opera singer who gained international acclaim during her career in the late 20th century.
The surname Imelda originates from the medieval given name Emilda, which is derived from the Old High German elements "emo" meaning rich and "hild" meaning battle or strife. The name Imelda gained popularity as a surname in various European countries during the Middle Ages due to its usage as a personal name among the nobility.
In Italy, the Imelda family can be traced back to the 12th century and are believed to have originated from the Emilia-Romagna region. Notable members include Pope Alexander VI (Rodrigo Borgia), whose mother was a member of the Imelda family.
In Spain, the surname Imelda is more rare but can be traced back to the 15th century. It has been recorded in various regions such as Castile and Aragon.
In the Philippines, the surname Imelda gained prominence through former First Lady Imelda Marcos, who was married to President Ferdinand Marcos. The name is also found in other parts of Asia and the Americas due to migration patterns over the centuries.
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