Aleida is a unique and beautiful name of Catalan origin. It is derived from the name Aliet, which is a feminine form of Alienor, the French form of Eleanor. Eleanor itself comes from the Occitan name Aenaleng, which means "other" or "foreign".
The name Aleida has a rich history and has been used by several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous was Aliet d'Albret, who was a French noblewoman and the wife of Jean d'Alençon, Duke of Berry. She lived in the 14th century and was known for her beauty and intelligence.
In Catalan culture, Aleida is often associated with strength, courage, and independence. This is reflected in the story of Aleida de Montbui, a legendary figure who fought against the French occupation of Catalonia during the War of the Spanish Succession in the early 18th century.
Today, Aleida remains a popular name in Catalan-speaking regions of Spain and Andorra. It is also used in other parts of Europe, particularly in France and Italy. Despite its popularity, it remains relatively rare outside of these areas, making it a distinctive and memorable choice for parents looking for a unique name for their daughter.
The name Aleida experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable increase from 42 births in 2006 to a peak of 78 births in 2023. The early decades of the 20th century saw consistent but modest usage, with around 5-10 births per year. However, since the late 1990s, there has been a steady rise in its popularity, reaching an all-time high in recent years. Despite these trends, Aleida remains relatively uncommon compared to other names, as indicated by its total of 1989 births over the entire period.