Frieda is a feminine given name of Germanic origin. It comes from the Old German word "frī" which means "peaceful," and "daga" meaning "day." Therefore, Frieda can be translated as "peaceful day." This name was popular among the Germanic tribes who inhabited what is now Germany.
Frieda's popularity can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Germany. It was a common name for women during this period due to its positive connotation with peace and tranquility. However, it wasn't until the late 19th century that Frieda gained widespread international recognition. This was largely thanks to the work of the German poet Friedrich Rückert, who wrote a collection of poems titled "Frieden" (Peace) in honor of his daughter Friederike.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Frieda. One of the most famous is Frieda Kahlo, a Mexican painter known for her self-portraits and works inspired by nature and artifacts. She was married to another renowned artist, Diego Rivera. Another notable figure is Frieda Lawrence, the common-law wife of D.H. Lawrence, an English writer and poet.
In recent years, Frieda has seen a resurgence in popularity as a baby name. While it may not be as common as some other names, it remains a unique choice with a rich history and meaningful significance. Parents who choose this name for their daughter often appreciate its connection to peace and tranquility.
Frieda is an uncommon yet distinctive name that has seen varying popularity over the past century and a half in the United States. From 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 25,430 births registered with the name Frieda.
The peak years for Frieda's popularity were during the early 20th century. In 1912, there were 445 babies named Frieda, and this number continued to increase, reaching its zenith in 1916 with 838 births. This trend suggests that Frieda was quite fashionable among parents of that era.
However, by the mid-20th century, the name's popularity began to decline steadily. From the 1950s onwards, fewer than 100 babies were named Frieda annually. The lowest point was in 1970 with only 33 births recorded.
In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in interest for the name Frieda. Since 2004, there have been more than 25 births each year, reaching as high as 47 in 2016 and 42 in both 2019 and 2022. This indicates that while Frieda may still be considered an unconventional choice, it is once again being embraced by some parents.
It's fascinating to observe how the popularity of a name can wax and wane over time, reflecting societal tastes and cultural influences. Despite its ups and downs, Frieda remains a unique and memorable moniker with a rich history in the United States.