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 appears to have been quite popular as a baby girl name during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with over 25,000 babies named Frieda between 1880 and 2023. The name reached its peak popularity in 1914 with 639 births, which was a significant increase from the previous year's 506 births. However, after World War I, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily, reaching an all-time low of 14 births in 2000. In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in the use of the name Frieda, with totals ranging from 25 to 47 births per year between 2015 and 2023.