Lida is a feminine given name of Slavic origin, particularly from Russia and other Eastern European countries. Its meaning is derived from the Slavic word "lido," which translates to "people" or "tribe." Therefore, Lida can be interpreted as meaning "leader of the people."
The name Lida has a rich history in literature and art. In Russian literature, it was popularized by the poet Nikolay Nekrasov's poem "Lidushka," which tells the story of a woman named Lida who falls in love with a prince but is ultimately betrayed. This tragic tale contributed to the name becoming associated with romantic sorrow.
In addition, there have been several notable individuals named Lida throughout history. One example is Lida Baal-Zek, an Israeli politician and social activist who served as a member of the Knesset from 1984 to 1992. Another notable figure is Lida Sadlecka, a Polish painter known for her landscapes and portraits during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Overall, while not particularly common in English-speaking countries, the name Lida has a unique and meaningful origin story rooted in Slavic culture and history. Its literary associations and notable bearers throughout history make it an intriguing choice for parents looking for a distinctive feminine name with deep roots.
The name Lida has been given to babies born in the United States over the past century and a half. The statistics show that the name's popularity has fluctuated significantly over time.
In the late 1800s, Lida was a relatively popular name for newborn girls. Between 1880 and 1892, there were at least 49 births each year, with some years seeing as many as 89 births. However, from 1893 onwards, the number of annual births began to decline.
During the first half of the twentieth century, Lida's popularity continued to decrease. From 1901 to 1950, there were fewer than 50 births each year on average. The highest recorded number in this period was 63 births in 1902 and 1937.
The second half of the century saw even further decline in Lida's popularity. From 1951 to 2000, there were fewer than 25 births each year on average. The highest recorded number during these years was 35 births in 1961 and 1970.
Since the turn of the millennium, Lida has become quite rare as a baby name in the United States. Between 2001 and 2023, there were fewer than 15 births each year on average. The highest recorded number during these years was 17 births in 2020.
Overall, it appears that Lida's popularity has greatly diminished over time, with a significant decrease occurring around the mid-twentieth century. Despite this decline, Lida continues to be given to babies born in the United States today, albeit at a much lower rate than in previous decades and centuries.