Guelda

Meaning & origin

Guelda is a rare feminine name of Germanic origin, first recorded in the United States in 1915. Its meaning is uncertain, possibly derived from the Old High German element walt (power, ruler) or from gild (value, sacrifice). The name achieved its peak popularity in 1933, during the Great Depression, when it reached its highest recorded usage. After that decade, its frequency declined steadily, and by the latest data year of 2025 it is no longer among the top 1,000 names. Its trajectory has been stable over the past few decades, with no signs of a revival. Guelda's top states are not available due to its rarity, but its concentration likely mirrored the broader Midwestern and Northeastern patterns of German-inspired names in the early 20th century. The name remains a rare but historically documented choice for parents seeking a distinctly vintage sound.

Guelda is a rare name of uncertain origin. It may be a variant of Walda, derived from the Old High German element walt meaning 'power, ruler', or a feminine form of Guildo from the Germanic gild meaning 'value'. The name saw modest use in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, with its peak year in 1933, but has since fallen out of common usage.