Ida has not been a top 1,000 baby name until 1985. It is on the rise again, however, and is a top 100 name in European countries. Ida is a name known for ebbing and flowing, but it remains a sweet and vintage-sounding option for girls.
Meaning of the Name Ida
The baby name Ida originated from the Germanic word “id” and means “industrious one”. The name spread throughout Europe due to the Norman Invasion, but it died out during the Middle Ages. The name came back to popularity in the late 1800s because of a work by Lord Tennyson called “The Princess.” Ida means “industrious one” because of the Germanic root word “id.” That word means “work” or “labor.”
Nicknames for Ida
Ida feels sweet and romantic. It is wholesome and natural and deserves a fun and caring nickname. If you're looking for potential options, we've created a list of unique nicknames for the Ida in your life. Feel free to get inspired by our suggestions or create your own!
- Id
- Iddie
- Iddi
- Iddy
- Da
- Ids
- Idz
- Dee
Ida Name Details
Style: Traditional
Gender: Ida is traditionally considered to be a girls name.
Pronunciation: EYE-da
Syllables: Two
Alternative Spelling for Ida
- Idda
Ida Name Popularity
Ida was a top 50 name in America until 1914, and it remained a top 100 name until 1931. The name stayed a top 200 option until 1947, however. The last year Ida was on the top 1,000 list was in 1986 at rank 996.
Related Names for Ida
Great Middle Names for Ida and Their Meanings
- Rose (rose, a flower)
- Eloise (healthy, wide)
- Blaine (yellow)
- Lux (light)
- Sadie (princess)
- Pearl (precious, smooth, round bead)
- Marigold (resplendent Mary, golden flower)
- Belle (beautiful)
Famous People Named Ida
- Ida of Herzfeld (German duchess who helped the poor)
- Ida Lupino (actress, “The Hitch-Hiker”)
- Ida Tarbell (journalist)
- Ida Wells (Civil Rights leader)
- Ida McKinley (first lady of President William McKinley)
- Ida Rubinstein (dancer)
- Ida Applebroog (painter)
- Ida Fink (author)
Ida in Popular Culture
- Ida Svensson (character from “Emil of Lonneberga”)
- Ida Quagmire (character from “Family Guy”)
- Ida Lebenstein (character from “Ida”)
- Ida (character from “Kamayani”)
- Ida Barlow (character from “Coronation Street”)
- Princess Ida (title character in “Princess Ida” opera)
- Ida Corwin (character from “Mildred Pierce”)
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Anicka S/Shutterstock.com.