Valda is a name of Latin origin that means "strength" or "health". It is derived from the Latin word "valere", which means "to be strong" or "to be healthy". The name Valda has been used for both boys and girls throughout history, although it is more commonly associated with females today.
The earliest recorded use of the name Valda appears to be in Sweden during the Middle Ages. It is possible that the name was brought to Sweden by Roman invaders or settlers, as the Romans had a significant influence on Scandinavian culture and language during this period. Alternatively, the name may have been inspired by the Latin phrase "valde amata", which means "very loved" and was sometimes used as an affectionate nickname for women in medieval Europe.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Valda. One of the most famous was Saint Valda, a 4th-century Christian martyr who was executed during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. Today, the name Valda is still used in many different countries around the world, although it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names.
Overall, Valda is a strong and distinctive name with an interesting history behind it. Its Latin origins give it a classic and elegant feel, while its meaning adds an extra layer of symbolism that can be appealing to parents looking for a meaningful name for their child.
The name Valda experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. While it was relatively common at the turn of the century with around 5-9 births per year between 1897 and 1909, it peaked dramatically during World War I, reaching a high of 42 births in 1916. Post-war, Valda's popularity continued to rise, with over 30 births per year from 1920 to 1930. However, it began a steady decline thereafter, dropping below 10 births per year by the late 1940s. By the 1960s and 70s, Valda's popularity was extremely low, with less than 8 births per year recorded. Overall, there were 1866 births of the name Valda over this period.