Zelda
ZEL-duh
Zelda is a short form of the Yiddish name Zelde, itself from the Old High German seld meaning “happiness, prosperity.” An alternative etymology connects it to the Germanic Griselda, composed of gris (“gray”) and hild (“battle”), giving a possible
meaning of “gray battle maid.”
The name gained literary prominence through Zelda Fitzgerald (1900-1948), wife of author F. Scott Fitzgerald and an iconic figure of the Jazz Age.
What the name Zelda means
Her own literary talent, mental health struggles, and complicated marriage made her one of the most analyzed women of the 20th century.
Zelda peaked in early SSA records at No. 376 in 1911 with 117 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 748 with 376 births—its highest raw count in recorded US history.
The Nintendo video game series The Legend of Zelda (1986-present) transformed the name for younger generations, making Zelda the name of a beloved fantasy princess rather than a Jazz Age socialite. Both associations now coexist.
Two syllables—ZEL-dah—are punchy and distinctive. The rare Z opening and the strong Germanic ending give it an immediately recognizable character unique among girl names of its length.
Parents who choose Zelda today often love its combination of vintage Jazz Age glamour, Yiddish warmth, and gaming iconography—a name that works across cultural contexts while remaining distinctively itself.
Robin Williams famously named his daughter Zelda Rae Williams (born 1989) after the Nintendo princess, bringing additional celebrity attention to the name.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Zelda
Zelda - similar names
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