MallowbyNames

Veleda

VEL-eh-dah · The name is of uncertain meaning; known from the Germanic prophetess Veleda.

Peak popularity
1934
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Veleda since 1916

Babies named Veleda per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1971, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Veleda's real moment was 1934.

3710192019602000Most births 1971Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s10
1920s11
1930s18
1940s5
1950s24
1960s0
1970s54
1980s0
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Veleda is a rare and historically resonant name with ancient Germanic roots. First recorded in the United States in 1916, it saw modest use during the 1930s, reaching its peak year in 1934. The name is derived from a 1st-century CE prophetess of the Bructeri tribe, as chronicled by the Roman historian Tacitus. Despite its intriguing history, Veleda remains extremely uncommon, with no recent appearances in national popularity rankings. Its trajectory has been stable, with only occasional usage in recent years. The name carries an air of mysticism and scholarly interest, making it a distinctive choice for those drawn to historical or literary names. While no top states record consistent usage, its sporadic appearances mostly occur in culturally diverse areas.

Veleda is a name of ancient Germanic origin, best known as the name of a 1st-century CE prophetess of the Bructeri tribe, mentioned by the Roman historian Tacitus. The name's etymology is uncertain, possibly deriving from a Celtic root meaning 'seer' or related to the Germanic *welô 'desired'. It saw some use in modern times, particularly in the mid-20th century, likely due to literary and historical interest.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Vela, Vele, Velly

Variants: Velleda, Veleida

Sibling names for Veleda

Names that share Veleda's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

V is for Veleda, our favorite little girl.

V is for Veleda…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Veleda's letter becomes Veleda's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Veleda's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Veleda mean?
The meaning of Veleda is uncertain. It is best known as the name of an ancient Germanic prophetess mentioned by Tacitus.
Is Veleda a popular name today?
Veleda is very rare in the United States. It was given to fewer than 5 newborns per year in recent decades, and it has not ranked in the top 1000 since records began.
Is Veleda a boy or girl name?
Veleda is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.