Holding steady.
Popularity of Mafalda since 1902
Babies named Mafalda per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1925, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Mafalda's real moment was 1915.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 18 |
| 1910s | 444 |
| 1920s | 674 |
| 1930s | 143 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Mafalda is a feminine name with Germanic roots, though its exact meaning is debated. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1902, and its peak year was 1915, when it saw its highest usage. Since then, it has maintained a stable but very low frequency, with no recent resurgence. The name has never ranked among the top names nationally, reflecting its rarity. It is more commonly encountered in Italy and Portugal, where it has historical associations with royalty. Mafalda may appeal to parents seeking an uncommon, vintage name with European flair.
Mafalda is a name of debated Germanic origin, possibly derived from the elements 'maht' (might, strength) combined with 'wald' (rule). It entered the Romance languages through the medieval Italian and Portuguese forms, where it was borne by several royal figures. The name gained some currency in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Italy and Portugal.
“Mafalda” around the world
Where Mafalda lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mafa
Sibling names for Mafalda
Names that share Mafalda's style, for a brother or sister.
