A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Vida since 1880
Babies named Vida per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2022, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Vida's real moment was 1903.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 307 |
| 1890s | 641 |
| 1900s | 808 |
| 1910s | 1,564 |
| 1920s | 1,812 |
| 1930s | 998 |
| 1940s | 647 |
| 1950s | 745 |
| 1960s | 640 |
| 1970s | 307 |
| 1980s | 215 |
| 1990s | 200 |
| 2000s | 542 |
| 2010s | 1,630 |
| 2020s | 1,379 |
Meaning & origin
Vida is a name with multiple origins, but its modern appeal largely stems from its Spanish meaning 'life'. First recorded in the U.S. in 1880, it peaked in popularity in 1903. After a long decline, it has been rising again since 1993, indicating a revival. In 2025, it ranked 1211, with about 1 in 8595 baby girls receiving the name. Its top states include Colorado, California, and Indiana. The name's simplicity and positive meaning have contributed to its renewed interest, particularly among parents seeking short, meaningful names with a global feel.
Vida derives from the Spanish word 'vida' meaning 'life'. It is also used as a short form of Davida, the feminine form of David, which in Hebrew means 'beloved'. In Slavic contexts, particularly Serbian and Croatian, Vida is a diminutive of names like Vidosava, from Old Slavic 'videti' meaning 'to see'. In English-speaking countries, Vida gained usage as a given name in the 19th century, popularized by literary and cultural figures, and has seen a revival in recent years.
Where Vida 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: Vivi, Vida Lee
Sibling names for Vida
Names that share Vida's style, for a brother or sister.
