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Ethelda
How to Pronounce Ethelda
Pronounced eh-THEL-duh /ΙΛΞΈΙl.dΙ/Medium
Meaning: Ethelda extends Ethel β from Old English 'aethel', 'noble' β with a -da ending, possibly influenced by Griselda. It belongs to the late-Victorian revival of Anglo-Saxon 'Ethel-' names.Low
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Ethelda lengthens Ethel β from the Old English element aethel, 'noble' β with a flourishing -da ending, echoing names like Griselda and Hilda. It rode the Victorian and Edwardian fashion for reviving Anglo-Saxon 'noble' names.
It peaked around 1920 and had faded by mid-century, always uncommon. A woman named Ethelda would be of a great-grandparent generation; the name keeps Ethel's 'noble' meaning while sounding even more elaborately old-fashioned, and it has not revived.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Ethelda mean?
Ethelda is an elaborated form of Ethel, from Old English meaning 'noble'.
How do you pronounce Ethelda?
It's said eh-THEL-duh /ΙΛΞΈΙl.dΙ/ β three syllables, stress on the second.
Is Ethelda a boy or girl name?
Ethelda is used as a girl's name.
How popular is Ethelda?
Ethelda was always rare in the U.S., an ornate Edwardian-era form of Ethel.