The name Donelda is of German origin, derived from the elements 'Donar' meaning thunder, and 'Hild' which means battle. It was likely created during the Middle Ages as a combination of these two elements to signify strength and power. The name fell out of favor over time but has recently seen a resurgence in popularity.
"Donelda appears to have been a popular name among parents from the early 20th century until around the mid-1970s, with peak years being 1923 (12 births) and 1936 (18 births). However, its popularity declined significantly after the 1950s."