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Home › Baby Names Directory › Fonda

Fonda

♀ Girl

Pronounced FON-dah /ˈfɒn.də/Medium

Meaning: Fonda is chiefly a surname-name, associated with the celebrated Fonda acting family (Henry, Jane, and Peter Fonda). It coincides with the Spanish fonda, 'inn', and is sometimes read as a form of 'fond'. The leading route is the surname-name.Low

In 30 seconds: A star-lit surname-name: Fonda evokes the Fonda acting family; it also means 'inn' in Spanish (said 'FON-dah').
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Origin LowAmerican, Spanish
MeaningFonda is chiefly a surname-name, associated with the celebrated Fonda acting family (Henry, Jane, and Peter Fonda). It coincides with the Spanish fonda, 'inn', and is sometimes read as a form of 'fond'. The leading route is the surname-name.
U.S. rank (1997)#14487 ↘ Falling
1997 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1963
Total births (all-time)≈ 4,112

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196319101997

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Fonda is largely a surname-name, tied to the famous Fonda acting family, and it coincides with the Spanish fonda ('inn'). It saw modest American use as a given name in the mid-twentieth century, cresting around 1963, its glamour boosted by the family's screen fame. It faded as such surname-names cycled out.

Uncommon now, it keeps a chic, screen-lit air. Stylish and distinctive.

Did you know? Fonda rode the fame of the Fonda acting dynasty — Henry, Jane, and Peter — its stylish sound cresting around 1963; it also matches the Spanish fonda, 'inn'.
Overall data confidence 45%
References — Fonda — Surname-name (Fonda family); Spanish fonda 'inn'

Variations

FondraFontaFawnda

Nicknames

FonDonni

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Fonda…

Rhonda— a like -onda mid-century name
Fawn— a similar soft F- girl's name
Wanda— a like -anda vintage pick
Mayda— echoes that soft -da sound
Nilda— shares Fonda's Spanish roots

Explore names like Fonda

By themevintagesurnamepop-culture1960s

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Fonda mean?

Fonda is chiefly a surname-name tied to the Fonda acting family; it also matches the Spanish fonda, 'inn'. We note the mixed route.

How do you pronounce Fonda?

It's said FON-dah /ˈfɒn.də/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Fonda a boy or girl name?

Fonda is used as a girl's name.

Is Fonda making a comeback?

Fonda is uncommon today and reads as a chic mid-century surname-name rather than a current trend.

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