Nadezhda is a feminine given name of Slavic origin, specifically from Russian and Bulgarian languages. Its meaning translates to "hope" in English.
The name Nadezhda has its roots in the ancient Slavic culture, where it was used as a symbol of optimism and positivity. The name gained popularity during the medieval period in Russia and Bulgaria, often given to daughters born into royal families or wealthy noble households.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nadezhda. One such figure is Nadezhda Krutitkaya, an 18th-century Russian poet who was celebrated for her literary prowess and contributions to Russian literature during that time. Another famous Nadezhda is Nadezhda Mandelstam, a Soviet-era writer and wife of the renowned poet Osip Mandelstam.
Today, Nadezhda remains a popular name in Russia and other Slavic countries. It is often chosen by parents who wish to instill hope and positivity into their daughter's life, as implied by its meaning. Despite its traditional roots, Nadezhda continues to be given to newborn girls in contemporary times, carrying on the legacy of this enduring and meaningful name.
Statistics on the name Nadezhda in the United States show a fluctuating trend over the past three decades. The name first appeared in the top 1000 baby names list in 1993, with five girls being named Nadezhda that year. This number remained consistent in 1994 but then jumped to 11 births in 1996.
The years following showed a range of birth numbers for girls named Nadezhda, from a low of six in both 1999 and 2002 to a high of 17 in 2010. The year 2014 saw another peak with 16 births, followed by a drop to eight in 2015.
Since then, the number of babies named Nadezhda has fluctuated between six and nine per year, reaching its most recent total of nine births in 2023. Overall, from 1993 to 2023, there have been a total of 285 girls named Nadezhda born in the United States.
While not as popular as some other names, Nadezhda has maintained a consistent presence among baby names in the U.S., with parents choosing this name for their daughters over the past three decades.