MallowbyNames

Erlinda

er-LIN-dah · a combination of Erm- and -linda, likely meaning 'serpent' or 'dragon' from Old High German 'erm(en)' plus Spanish/Italian 'linda' (pretty)

Peak popularity
1949
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Erlinda since 1900

Babies named Erlinda per year in U.S. Social Security records.

57114171192019602000Most births 1949Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1900s32
1910s131
1920s483
1930s562
1940s967
1950s991
1960s572
1970s329
1980s259
1990s140
2000s116
2010s45
2020s29

Meaning & origin

Erlinda is a rare feminine name that combines Germanic and Romance elements. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1900 and reached its peak popularity in 1949, after which its usage declined sharply. The name has not ranked in the top 1000 since the mid-20th century, and data from recent years show it is given to fewer than 5 babies annually. While originally used primarily in Spanish-speaking communities, its most concentrated use occurred during the 1940s. Despite its obscurity, Erlinda carries a melodic quality typical of the -linda suffix names that were fashionable in the mid-20th century.

Erlinda is a blend of two name elements: the Old High German 'erm(en)' meaning 'whole, universal' or 'serpent/dragon', and the Spanish/Italian 'linda' meaning 'pretty' or 'beautiful'. The name appears to have emerged in Spanish-speaking communities, possibly as a variant of Erma or Hermine combined with the popular -linda suffix seen in names like Belinda and Melinda. It saw modest use in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States among Hispanic families.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Erli, Linda, Erry

Sibling names for Erlinda

Names that share Erlinda's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

E is for Erlinda, our favorite little girl.

E is for Erlinda…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Erlinda's letter becomes Erlinda's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Erlinda's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Erlinda mean?
Erlinda likely combines Old High German 'erm(en)' (whole, serpent) with Spanish/Italian 'linda' (pretty), though the exact meaning is debated.
How popular is the name Erlinda today?
Erlinda has not ranked among the top 1000 U.S. names since the 1950s. Its peak was in 1949, and it remains very rare.
Is Erlinda a boy or girl name?
Erlinda is almost exclusively a girl's name.