Belinda

Meaning & origin

Belinda enjoyed its peak popularity in the United States in 1961, a year in which the name was used frequently enough to leave a substantial footprint in birth records. Since 1987, its usage has steadily declined, reflecting the broader shift away from mid-century feminine names. As of 2025, it ranks 1818th nationally, with about 1 in 14,612 newborn girls receiving the name, making it an uncommon choice with a vintage charm. The name appears most frequently among families in Florida, Virginia, and Texas, suggesting a regional preference in the South and Southeast. Belinda's literary roots, combined with its smooth, two-syllable sound, give it a gentle appeal that may appeal to parents looking for a name that balances tradition with relative rarity.

Belinda is a name of uncertain but likely Spanish or Italian origin, often thought to combine 'bella' (beautiful) and 'linda' (pretty). It first appeared in literature in the 16th century, notably in Edmund Spenser's 'The Faerie Queene' (1590) and later in Alexander Pope's 'The Rape of the Lock' (1712). The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, peaking in the United States in 1961.