Zelda

Gray fighting maid — a girl name of German origin

GenderGirl
OriginGerman
MeaningGray fighting maid
PronunciationZEL-duh

Popularity of Zelda in the United States

#832Rank in 2025
328Births in 2025
#376 in 1911Peak Popularity
→ Stable10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Zelda

Zelda is a short form of the German name Griselda, composed of the elements "gris" (gray) and "hild" (battle). It may also be connected to the Yiddish name Selde, meaning "happiness" or "blessed." The name is famously associated with Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald and a Jazz Age icon in her own right. In popular culture, The Legend of Zelda video game series, created by Nintendo designer Shigeru Miyamoto, has given the name a lasting modern presence. Miyamoto reportedly named the character after Zelda Fitzgerald.

Zelda Around the World

Zelda is used in 1 languages worldwide.

Languages
Latvian
Details

TypeFemale given name

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Zelda

ZelZeeElda

Famous People Named Zelda

  • Zelda Fitzgerald — American novelist and Jazz Age icon
  • Zelda Rubinstein — American actress known for Poltergeist
  • Zelda Williams — American actress, daughter of Robin Williams

Similar Names to Zelda

If you like Zelda, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

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Sibling Name Ideas for Zelda

Looking for names that pair well with Zelda? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Zelda mean?

Zelda is a girl name of German origin meaning "Gray fighting maid." Zelda is a short form of the German name Griselda, composed of the elements "gris" (gray) and "hild" (battle). It may also be connected to the Yiddish name Selde, meaning "happiness" or "blessed.

How do you pronounce Zelda?

Zelda is pronounced ZEL-duh. Common variations include Griselda, Selda, Zelde.

Is Zelda a girl name?

Yes, Zelda is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Zel, Zee, Elda.

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