US Popularity Rank: 1374

Origin: German

Meaning: grey battle maid

Beloved by Millennials across the globe, Zelda is a girl's name of German origin whose legendary status is far more than just the benevolent fictitious princess. Capable of conjuring nostalgia and enduring fascination, this iconic name is actually a short form of Griselda which means "grey battle maid." And while Griselda's roots in folklore speak of a patient, devoted woman, Zelda paints a spirited picture more in keeping with its meaning. Led by Zelda Fitzgerald—dubbed the first American flapper—the name lives on as a symbol of feminine ability personified by artists, writers, and influential legacies.