Declining since 1988, #7,133 for girls today.
Popularity of Neda since 1889
Babies named Neda per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1987, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Neda's real moment was 1889.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 10 |
| 1900s | 11 |
| 1910s | 95 |
| 1920s | 152 |
| 1930s | 142 |
| 1940s | 164 |
| 1950s | 204 |
| 1960s | 108 |
| 1970s | 192 |
| 1980s | 347 |
| 1990s | 304 |
| 2000s | 177 |
| 2010s | 179 |
| 2020s | 99 |
Meaning & origin
Neda is a name with rich multicultural roots, found in Arabic, Persian, and Slavic traditions. In the United States, it first appeared on record in 1889, which also remains its peak year of usage. As of 2025, the name ranks 7,133th with an incidence of 1 in 107,151 births. Its popularity has been on a downward trend since 1988, reflecting its status as a distinctive but uncommon choice. The name is most frequently given in California, and its multicultural resonance makes it appealing to families with heritage from the Middle East or the Balkans. Neda's etymology is debated: while Arabic and Persian sources point to a meaning of 'voice' or 'call,' Slavic origins tie it to 'generous' or 'Sunday,' a testament to the name's cross-cultural journey.
Neda has multiple origins. In Arabic and Persian, it derives from the root n-d-w, meaning 'call' or 'invitation,' and is used as a feminine name meaning 'voice' or 'call.' In South Slavic languages, particularly Serbian and Croatian, Neda is a short form of Nedeljka (meaning 'Sunday') or Nedelja, and can mean 'generous' or 'unborn.' The name has been used in Iran and the Arab world for centuries, and gained some international attention in the late 20th century.
Where Neda is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Neda” around the world
Where Neda lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Neda
Names that share Neda's style, for a brother or sister.
