All about the name

Leda

Female

« Leda is a feminine given name of Greek origin derived from "ledos", meaning "hive" or "beehive". In Greek mythology, Leda was a queen associated with figures like Helen of Troy and Castor. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Leda is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "ledos", which means "hive" or "beehive". The name Leda has been associated with several figures in Greek mythology. In one of the most famous stories, Leda was a queen of Sparta who was seduced by Zeus in the form of a swan. As a result of this union, she laid two eggs, from which hatched four children: Helen (who would later become known as "Helen of Troy"), Castor, and Clytemnestra. According to some versions of the myth, Leda was also the mother of Pollux. The name Leda has been used throughout history, with notable figures bearing the name including Saint Leda, a 6th-century Irish abbess, and Leda Maria Alexandra of Saxony, a princess of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. In literature and art, Leda has been a popular subject due to her role in Greek mythology. The most famous example is "Leda and the Swan", a poem by W.B. Yeats, and many artists have depicted the story of Leda and Zeus as a swan, including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Overall, the name Leda has a rich history and meaning that dates back to ancient Greek mythology, and it continues to be used today as a beautiful and unique feminine given name.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Leda since 1880

Total births
3,422
Total since 1880
Peak year
1920
61 births
in 2023
15
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+16%
vs previous 5 years