Isolde is a unique and historic feminine given name of Celtic origin, derived from the Old Irish word 'Oislinge,' which means 'ice ruler' or 'proud ice.' This name gained significant prominence in Arthurian legend as the wife of Mark, King of Cornwall, and the sister of Tristan, with whom she shared an ill-fated love story. The name Isolde is also associated with the medieval Welsh poet, Isolde Dhu, who was renowned for her beauty and wisdom. Today, Isolde remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a rare yet meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Isolde has seen varying popularity over the past five decades, with peaks in recent years. Between 2006 and 2007, there was a significant increase in newborn girls named Isolde, with 42 births recorded in those two years alone. However, the number of births fluctuated greatly throughout the period, ranging from a low of 5 in 1971 to a high of 23 in 2023. Overall, there have been 313 Isolde births since 1971.