Frida is a female given name of German origin, derived from the Germanic elements "frid" meaning "peace" and "hild" meaning "battle". Thus, the name Frida means "peaceful warrior". It gained popularity in the Scandinavian countries during the late Middle Ages but has since become more widespread internationally. In Sweden, for instance, it has been among the top 100 most popular girl names for several decades.
The name Frida was notably borne by famous historical figures such as Frida Kahlo, the renowned Mexican painter known for her self-portraits and works inspired by nature and Mexican artifacts. However, there is no evidence that she was named after any specific person or event.
In literature, the name appears in "Frieda," a novel by German author Gerhart Hauptmann. Frieda (with an umlaut) is also the name of the wife of Sigmund Freud's brother Alexander. She plays a significant role in the psychoanalytic community and was instrumental in introducing psychoanalysis to Germany.
Overall, Frida is a strong and unique female given name with a fascinating history and notable bearers throughout time. Its meaning adds depth to its appeal, as it signifies a balance between tranquility and strength.
The name Frida has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century. From 1892 to 1957, there were fewer than 10 births per year with the name Frida, with some years having no recorded births at all.
However, starting from 1958, there was a noticeable increase in popularity for the name Frida. That year saw 12 births, which was the highest number since records began. This trend continued into the following decade, with 6 to 10 births per year between 1961 and 1974.
The 1980s and early 1990s showed a slight dip in popularity for the name Frida, with fewer than 10 births per year. However, starting from 1992, there was another surge in popularity. That year saw 29 births, which was more than double the number of any previous year.
This increase in popularity continued throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s. The peak of this trend occurred in 2017 and 2018, with 417 and 418 births respectively – a significant jump from the previous years.
Despite a slight dip in popularity in recent years (2020 to 2023), Frida remains a popular name in the United States. As of 2023, there have been a total of 8164 births with the name Frida since records began in 1879.
This data shows that while Frida may not have always been a top choice for parents in the United States, its popularity has fluctuated over time. It is important to note that these statistics only reflect trends and do not account for individual preferences or reasons behind naming choices. Nonetheless, they provide an interesting snapshot of how the name Frida has fared in the United States over the past century.