Ida is a feminine given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old Norse name Ída, which is believed to have meant "fighting maiden". The name Ida was popular among the Anglo-Saxons and was introduced into England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
The name Ida became more widespread in Europe during the Middle Ages through the influence of Saint Ida of Louvain, who was a pious woman known for her generosity and devotion to God. She was born around 960 AD and eventually founded several monasteries in present-day Belgium.
In literature, Ida is also the name of the protagonist in Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade". This poem tells the story of the ill-fated charge by British cavalry against Russian artillery positions during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. The character of Ida represents a fictional young woman who witnesses the events of the battle and its tragic outcome.
Throughout history, there have been many notable figures with the name Ida, including Ida B. Wells, an African-American journalist and civil rights activist who was known for her anti-lynching campaign in the late 19th century, and Ida Eno, a Swedish-American clairvoyant and spiritualist who gained fame during the Spiritualist movement in the United States during the mid-to-late 19th century.
Today, Ida remains a popular given name among English-speaking countries and other parts of the world. Its simple yet elegant sound has made it a favorite among parents seeking a unique yet timeless name for their daughters.
The name Ida has a long history of use in the United States, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1880. Over the next 132 years, the name saw varying levels of popularity.
In the late 19th century, Ida was moderately popular, with an average of about 7 births per year between 1880 and 1899. The highest number of births during this period was in 1888, with 13 newborn girls named Ida.
The early 20th century saw a steady increase in the popularity of the name Ida. Between 1900 and 1929, there were an average of about 15 births per year, with peaks in 1916 (17 births), 1925 (20 births), and 1927 (22 births).
The popularity of Ida reached its peak in the United States in the 1930s. Between 1930 and 1940, there were an average of about 16 births per year, with a high of 25 births recorded in 1929.
However, the name's popularity began to decline after World War II. Between 1940 and 1970, there was an average of only about 8 births per year, with no year exceeding double digits.
Overall, from 1880 to 1967, there were a total of 766 births recorded for the name Ida in the United States. While it has seen periods of both popularity and decline over the years, Ida remains a classic and enduring name choice.