Declining since 1985, #6,116 for girls today.
Popularity of Rhonda since 1910
Babies named Rhonda per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 42 |
| 1920s | 71 |
| 1930s | 372 |
| 1940s | 4,821 |
| 1950s | 59,816 |
| 1960s | 93,607 |
| 1970s | 37,946 |
| 1980s | 8,572 |
| 1990s | 1,948 |
| 2000s | 549 |
| 2010s | 240 |
| 2020s | 85 |
Meaning & origin
Rhonda saw its highest popularity in the mid-20th century, peaking at rank 6116 in 1965 when it was given to a notable number of girls. After reaching that peak, its usage began a steady decline, dropping significantly since 1985. By 2025, the name had become quite rare, with only about 1 in 84,593 newborns receiving it, reflecting a trajectory that has continued downward over the past four decades. Though its exact origins are debated, possibly tied to the Welsh Rhondda valley, the name's mid-century American character gives it a distinct vintage feel. It was most common in the 1960s but never saw a revival in subsequent decades, remaining a classic example of a name that captured the spirit of its era.
The name Rhonda first appeared in the United States in the early 20th century and gained popularity in the mid-1900s. It may derive from the Welsh place name Rhondda, meaning 'grand' or 'noisy', though a direct connection is speculative. Some sources consider it a modern coinage, possibly a feminine form of the Welsh name Rhon or an invented name. It was particularly common in the 1960s.
Where Rhonda is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rhonnie, Rhon
Variants: Ronda
Sibling names for Rhonda
Names that share Rhonda's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Rhonda
Names whose popularity has moved with Rhonda's over the last 50 years.
