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.
"Ida saw significant fluctuations in popularity over time, peaking with 20 births in 1918 and dropping to as low as 5 births in several years like 1881, 1882, and 1883. The name reached its peak usage in the early 20th century, gradually declining thereafter."