Holding steady.
Popularity of Ismelda since 1960
Babies named Ismelda per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1995, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ismelda's real moment was 1975.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 30 |
| 1980s | 25 |
| 1990s | 20 |
| 2000s | 21 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Ismelda is an exceptionally rare name in the United States, first recorded in Social Security data in 1960. It reached its peak usage in 1975, but never entered the top 1000 and has since remained consistently obscure with a stable trajectory. The name's origins are uncertain, possibly connected to Ismene or Ismael, giving it a mysterious appeal. Ismelda's stylistic similarities to Esmeralda and other Spanish-Italian names like Isadora and Maribel make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something unique with a melodic sound. Despite its rarity, the name offers nickname options such as Izzy or Melda, and pairs well with classic Latin-derived names for siblings.
Ismelda is a rare name of debated origin. It may derive from the Greek name Ismene, meaning 'knowledge', or be a feminine form of Ismael (Spanish for Ishmael). Alternatively, it could be a variant of Esmeralda. The name saw some use in the mid-20th century in the United States, particularly in the 1970s, but remains uncommon.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Izzy, Mel, Melda
Sibling names for Ismelda
Names that share Ismelda's style, for a brother or sister.
