"powerful in battle, mighty warrior"
Origin: Germanic
Language: Spanish
Imelda
Pronunciation: [ ihm-EHLD-uh ]
Does Imelda flow with your last name?
A medieval warrior name with mystic and royal history
Spanish
Italian
Filipino
Irish
Vintage
Bold
Elegant
Strong
Classic
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"universal strength"
Origin: Old German
Language: Italian
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Imelda Marcos, the controversial former First Lady of the Philippines known for corruption and thousands of shoes
The Story of Imelda
Imelda is a medieval Italian and Spanish name derived from the Germanic elements 'ermen' (whole, universal) and 'hild' (battle, fight), making it a variant of names like Ermengild and Hildegard. It means something like 'powerful in universal battle' or 'mighty warrior.' The name was popularized by Blessed Imelda Lambertini, a 14th-century Italian mystic who is the patron saint of first communicants.
Imelda has been traditionally popular in Catholic countries, particularly Spain, Italy, the Philippines, and Ireland. In the Philippines, it became globally famous (and notorious) through Imelda Marcos. In Ireland, it remains a cherished traditional name. The name is experiencing some revival as parents rediscover strong vintage names with deep histories.
Blessed Imelda Lambertini (1322-1333) is the patron saint of first communicants in the Catholic Church. According to tradition, she died of ecstasy immediately after receiving her first Holy Communion at age 11. This mystical story made Imelda a name of particular religious significance in Catholic communities.
Historical Record
Imelda first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 5,362 babies have been named Imelda in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Imelda is past its peak , currently ranked #3,675 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Imelda Marcos became infamous for owning over 3,000 pairs of shoes — making 'Imelda' synonymous with excess in popular culture
- Blessed Imelda Lambertini, the 14th-century Italian mystic, is the patron saint of first communicants in the Catholic Church
Imelda in Other Languages
Irish
Imelda
German
Irmhild
Italian
Imelda
Spanish
Imelda
Filipino
Imelda
Popularity Over Time
#3,675
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1971
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Imelda
I
Imelda Staunton
Actor
1956
British actress known for Vera Drake, Harry Potter (Dolores Umbridge), and The Crown (Queen Elizabeth II)
I
Imelda Marcos
Politician
1929
Former First Lady of the Philippines, wife of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, known for extravagant lifestyle and political c...
Former First Lady of the Philippines, wife of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, known for extravagant lifestyle and political controversy
B
Blessed Imelda Lambertini
Religious
14th-century Italian mystic and patron saint of first communicants in the Catholic Church
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Compare Imelda with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #3,675
- Total SSA Count
- 42
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Italian Filipino Irish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Mel
Elda
Immy
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Irish heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Imelda
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Imelda
What does the name Imelda mean?
"powerful in battle, mighty warrior" (from Germanic). "universal strength" (from Old German). Imelda is a medieval Italian and Spanish name derived from the Germanic elements 'ermen' (whole, universal) and 'hild' (battle, fight), making it a variant of names like Ermengild and Hildegard. It means something like 'powerful in universal battle' or 'mighty warrior.' The name was popularized by Blessed Imelda Lambertini, a 14th-century Italian mystic who is the patron saint of first communicants.
What is the origin of the name Imelda?
Imelda has Germanic, Old German, Spanish, Italian, Filipino, and Irish origins. In Germanic, it means "powerful in battle, mighty warrior". In Old German, it means "universal strength".
Is Imelda a boy or girl name?
Imelda is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Imelda?
Imelda is pronounced ihm-EHLD-uh.
How popular is the name Imelda?
Imelda is currently ranked #3675 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Imelda?
Common nicknames for Imelda include Mel, Elda, and Immy.
What are good middle names for Imelda?
Popular middle name pairings include Imelda Grace, Imelda Rose, Imelda Maria, Imelda Louise, Imelda Claire, and Imelda Sofia.
What are good sibling names for Imelda?
Names that pair well with Imelda as siblings include Matilda, Isolde, Rosario, Catalina, Rodrigo, and Ignacio.
How many syllables does Imelda have?
Imelda has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Imelda a common or rare name?
Imelda is an uncommon name, ranked #3675 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Imelda
Imelda is a girl name with Spanish, Italian, Filipino, and Irish origins . The name means "powerful in battle, mighty warrior" in Germanic .
Imelda is currently ranked #3,675 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Imelda has 3 syllables and is pronounced ihm-EHLD-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Imelda include Mel, Elda, and Immy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis