Holding steady.
Popularity of Valda since 1897
Babies named Valda per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1957, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Valda's real moment was 1910.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 10 |
| 1900s | 61 |
| 1910s | 261 |
| 1920s | 365 |
| 1930s | 274 |
| 1940s | 222 |
| 1950s | 402 |
| 1960s | 224 |
| 1970s | 41 |
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Valda is a name with Germanic roots, meaning 'famous ruler', derived from the element 'wald'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1897 and reached its peak popularity in 1910. Despite never entering the top 1000, it maintained steady but low usage through the 1910s and 1920s. Since the mid-20th century, Valda has become exceedingly rare, reflecting a broader decline of Germanic short forms. The name has not experienced a revival, remaining a quiet choice for parents seeking a vintage name with a strong, straightforward sound.
Valda is a feminine name derived from the Old German element "wald" meaning "rule". It is a short form of names like Waldtraud or Waldburga, and was used independently in the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in English-speaking countries.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Val
Sibling names for Valda
Names that share Valda's style, for a brother or sister.
