"voice, divine call"
Origin: Persian
Language: Persian/Farsi
Neda
Pronunciation: [ n-AYD-uh ]
Neda is a girl name of Persian origin meaning "voice, divine call." Ranked #5,920 in the US, popular nicknames include Ned and Nedi.
A Persian voice and Slavic Sunday child in one name
Iranian
Persian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Slavic
Gentle
Elegant
Unique
Vintage
Spiritual
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"born on Sunday"
Origin: South Slavic
Language: Bulgarian/Croatian
Browse names with similar meanings:
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Things to Know About This Name
- Neda Agha-Soltan, whose death during the 2009 Iranian Green Movement protests was captured on video, became an international symbol of the uprising; the association is poignant and historical rather than negative
The Story of Neda
Neda has dual origins. In Persian, it means voice or call, and carries a spiritual dimension related to divine calling or the voice of God. In Slavic languages (particularly Bulgarian, Croatian, and Serbian), Neda is a traditional name for girls born on Sunday, from the South Slavic word nedela (Sunday, week). The name thus bridges Iranian and Balkan naming traditions with different but equally poetic meanings.
Neda gained profound international recognition through Neda Agha-Soltan (1983-2009), whose death during Iran's Green Movement protests was filmed and became one of the most widely seen images of the uprising. Her name, meaning voice in Persian, acquired tragic symbolic resonance as the voice of a generation silenced. The name remains significant in Iranian diaspora communities.
In Iran, Neda has become associated with the democratic aspirations of the Green Movement following 2009. In Slavic countries, Neda remains a traditional name connected to the religious calendar. The dual cultural meanings give the name unusual cross-cultural depth.
Historical Record
Neda first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,595 babies have been named Neda in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Neda is past its peak , currently ranked #5,920 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Neda Agha-Soltan became an international symbol of the 2009 Iranian Green Movement
- In Persian, neda means divine voice or call, used in Sufi poetry for the call of God
- In South Slavic languages, Neda is traditionally given to girls born on Sunday (nedela)
Neda in Other Languages
Arabic
ندى
Persian
ندا
Serbian
Неда
Croatian
Neda
Bulgarian
Неда
Popularity Over Time
#5,920
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Neda
N
Neda Agha-Soltan
Other
1983
Iranian philosophy student whose death during the 2009 Green Movement protests was filmed and broadcast globally, becomi...
Iranian philosophy student whose death during the 2009 Green Movement protests was filmed and broadcast globally, becoming an international symbol of the uprising
N
Neda Ukraden
Musician
1951
Bosnian-Croatian pop singer and one of the most beloved performers in the former Yugoslavia
N
Neda (character in Nedda) Fictional
Other
Character in Leoncavallo's 1892 opera Pagliacci, the tragic heroine whose story drives the opera's emotional climax
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,920
- Total SSA Count
- 21
- Cultural Origins
- Iranian Persian Bulgarian Croatian Slavic
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Ned
Nedi
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, unique style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Neda
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Neda
What does the name Neda mean?
"voice, divine call" (from Persian). "born on Sunday" (from South Slavic). Neda has dual origins. In Persian, it means voice or call, and carries a spiritual dimension related to divine calling or the voice of God. In Slavic languages (particularly Bulgarian, Croatian, and Serbian), Neda is a traditional name for girls born on Sunday, from the South Slavic word nedela (Sunday, week). The name thus bridges Iranian and Balkan naming traditions with different but equally poetic meanings.
What is the origin of the name Neda?
Neda has Persian, South Slavic, Iranian, Bulgarian, Croatian, and Slavic origins. In Persian, it means "voice, divine call". In South Slavic, it means "born on Sunday".
Is Neda a boy or girl name?
Neda is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Neda?
Neda is pronounced n-AYD-uh.
How popular is the name Neda?
Neda is currently ranked #5920 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Neda?
Common nicknames for Neda include Ned and Nedi.
What are good middle names for Neda?
Popular middle name pairings include Neda Rose, Neda Sofia, Neda Marie, Neda Lena, Neda Zara, Neda Layla, and Neda Yasmine.
What are good sibling names for Neda?
Names that pair well with Neda as siblings include Dara, Leila, Cyrus, Shirin, Mitra, Darius, and Parisa.
How many syllables does Neda have?
Neda has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Neda a common or rare name?
Neda is an uncommon name, ranked #5920 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Neda
Neda is a girl name with Iranian, Persian, Bulgarian, Croatian, and Slavic origins . The name means "voice, divine call" in Persian .
Neda is currently ranked #5,920 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Neda has 2 syllables and is pronounced n-AYD-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Neda include Ned and Nedi. 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