Ida is a female given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old Norse name "Íðr", which means "reed" or "willow". It was also used as a short form for names beginning with the element "id-", such as Idafried or Idaliz. In some cases, Ida may have been associated with the Latin word "ida", meaning "to go".
The name Ida is often linked to Saint Ida of Herzfeldia, a 9th-century saint who was the daughter of the Duke of Westphalia. She founded several monasteries and became known for her piety and charitable works. However, it is not clear whether the name gained popularity due to her influence.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Ida. One of the most famous is Ida B. Wells, an African American journalist and activist who fought against racial injustice in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Another prominent figure is Ida Eiselein, a German-American sculptor known for her work in the Art Nouveau style.
In literature and art, Ida has been used as a character name on several occasions. For example, it appears in George Eliot's novel "The Mill on the Floss" and in Oscar Wilde's play "Salome". Additionally, French Impressionist painter Claude Monet included a character named Ida in his famous series of paintings depicting Rouen Cathedral.
Today, Ida remains a popular given name for girls, particularly in Scandinavian countries and Germany. It has also been used in other parts of the world, including the United States and Britain. While it may not be as common as some other names, Ida continues to be recognized as a distinctive and attractive choice for parents seeking a name with historic roots and a unique meaning.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Ida has seen a significant fluctuation in popularity over the years in the United States.
The peak of Ida's popularity occurred in the early 20th century, with the highest number of births recorded in 1916, totaling 4364 births. This was followed by another peak in 1918 with 4450 births. However, after these peaks, there was a steady decline in the popularity of the name Ida.
By the mid-20th century, the number of births named Ida had significantly decreased. In the 1960s and 1970s, the annual number of births named Ida ranged from around 300 to 400. This trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with fewer than 200 births named Ida each year.
In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Ida. In 2016, there were 196 births recorded for the name Ida, which increased to 222 births in 2021 and 225 births in 2022. While still not reaching the heights of popularity seen over a century ago, it is encouraging to see that the name Ida is once again being chosen by parents for their newborn daughters.
Overall, while the name Ida has seen ups and downs in popularity throughout history, its unique and historic significance continues to resonate with parents today.