MallowbyNames

Fonda

FON-də · Of uncertain origin, likely a modern coinage or transferred use of a surname.

Peak popularity
1963
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Fonda since 1910

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

60121181192019602000Most births 1963Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s94
1920s155
1930s228
1940s532
1950s948
1960s1,331
1970s552
1980s229
1990s44
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Fonda is a rare given name that emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, first recorded in 1910. It reached its peak popularity in 1963, aligning with actress Jane Fonda's early career. Despite this brief spike, the name has never entered the top 1,000 and remains a uncommon choice. Its trajectory has been stable, with very few births each year. The name is most likely a modern coinage derived from the surname Fonda, which may itself come from a place name or other source. As a result, Fonda carries no traditional meaning or ancient origin, making it a distinctive and unconventional option for parents seeking a rare name with celebrity associations.

Fonda is primarily known as a surname, notably borne by the acting Fonda family. As a given name, it likely originated as a feminine form or variant of names like Fonda, possibly inspired by the surname or from a place name. Its use as a first name is rare and modern, with no clear etymological root in ancient languages.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Fonnie

Sibling names for Fonda

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

Sisters: Stella, Mona, Greta, Lorna, Karina

Brothers: Finn, Miles, Dean, Jules, Rex

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

F is for Fonda, our favorite little girl.

F is for Fonda…”

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

Make Fonda's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Fonda mean?
The meaning of Fonda is uncertain. It is often considered a modern coinage or a transferred use of a surname.
How popular is the name Fonda?
Fonda has never ranked among the top 1,000 names in the U.S. Its peak year was 1963, but it remains very rare.
Is Fonda a boy or girl name?
Fonda is typically used for girls.