Last Name Neda

The surname Neda has roots in various regions and cultures due to its adoption over time and migration. One possible origin is from Slavic-speaking areas, such as Croatia, Serbia, or Bosnia, where it could be a shortened form of female names ending with -neda, derived from the Old Slavic word nadeja, meaning "hope." Another theory suggests it might have Persian roots, derived from the name Neda, which means "water" in Farsi. However, it's important to note that surnames can also develop from nicknames, occupations, geographical locations, or other factors, and the true origin may vary for different families bearing the name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Neda

The meaning and origin of the last name Neda

The surname Neda is of Persian origin, derived from the feminine given name "Neda," which means "voiceless" or "call" in Persian. In Iran, it has been traditionally used as a given name for females and later evolved as a surname. The name gained international recognition with the death of Neda Agha-Soltan, an Iranian woman whose death during the Iranian election protests in 2009 was captured on video and went viral, symbolizing the struggle for democracy and freedom in Iran. Since then, the name has been adopted by individuals outside of Iran, spreading its popularity globally.

Geographical distribution of the last name Neda

The surname Neda has a significant presence in various regions worldwide but is predominantly associated with Iran and the Middle East due to its Persian origin. The name is also commonly found among Iranian diaspora communities, particularly in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands, where substantial numbers of Iranians have emigrated over the past few decades. Additionally, the name can be found in smaller numbers in other parts of Asia, including Pakistan and India, as well as Europe and South America, reflecting historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges. Overall, Neda is a distinctly Persian surname with a broad geographical distribution among communities of Iranian descent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Neda

The surname Neda has several variations and spellings across different languages and cultures. Some common variants include:

* Nedić (Cyrillic: Недић) - a Serbian form of the name, derived from the Slavic personal name Neđa, which means "hope" or "expectation."
* Neda-i (Persian: نیدائی) - an Iranian form of the name, possibly derived from the Persian word nedā ("wish" or "desire").
* Nedae (Greek: Νεδάη) - a Greek variant of the name.
* Nedya (Russian: Недя) - a Russian diminutive form of Neda, which means "hope" in Old Slavic.
* Neida (Spanish: Neida) - a Spanish variation of the name, possibly derived from the Arabic name Nadia.
* Nieda (Polish: Nieda) - a Polish variant of the name.
* Nedyad (Ukrainian: Недяд) - a Ukrainian form of the name.
* Neid (German: Neid) - a German variant, which is unrelated to Neda and means "envy" or "jealousy."
* Nedda (Italian: Nedda) - an Italian variant of the name, possibly derived from the Greek word nēdō ("girl").

The original Slavic form of the name is thought to be Неда (Neda), which means "hope" or "expectation." Over time, variations and spellings have developed due to phonetic changes, cultural influences, and personal preferences.

Famous people with the last name Neda

Notable individuals with the surname Neda include:

1. Neda Agha-Soltan (1982-2009), an Iranian woman whose death during the Iranian presidential election protests in 2009 became a symbol of the unrest. Her name has been used for various artworks, music, and documentaries.

2. Neda Arnerić (born 1986), a Serbian actress known for her roles in films such as "The Waiting Room" (2004) and "In the Land of Blood and Honey" (2011). She has also worked on several international television series.

3. Neda Ulaby (born 1968), an American journalist who serves as a culture correspondent for National Public Radio (NPR). She covers film, music, books, and the arts, earning numerous accolades in her field.

4. Neda Ferreira (born 1973), a Brazilian actress who has worked extensively in television and theater since the early 1990s. Her notable works include "Avenida Brasil" and "Sangue Bom."

5. Neda Arai (born 1998), a Japanese ice dancer. She is the 2019 Four Continents silver medalist and a three-time Japan national champion with partner Akari Kawasaki.

Genealogical research on the last name Neda

The surname Neda originates from Croatia and is predominantly found among the Croatian population. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name Ned, which is a short form of names such as Vladislav (ruler of glory) or Nenad (not yet born). The name Neda is believed to have been brought to Croatia by the early Slavic tribes. In historical records, the surname can be traced back to the 15th century in Croatia, with notable mentions such as Ivan Nada, who was a nobleman from Dalmatia in the late 1400s. The name has also been found in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Montenegro due to historical migrations and the expansion of the Croatian influence in the region. Today, the Neda surname remains common within the Croatian diaspora around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Neda"
• Global distribution of the surname 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 : 28 July 2025

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