Imelda

Meaning of Imelda

Imelda is a feminine given name of medieval Germanic provenance, derived from the compound elements ermen, denoting “whole” or “universal,” and hild, signifying “battle,” which was subsequently assimilated into the lexica of Romance languages—particularly Spanish and Italian—before attaining its standardized English form and pronunciation (/ɪˈmɛldə/). It carries enduring ecclesiastical resonance through its association with Saint Imelda Lambertini (1322–1333), venerated as the patroness of First Communicants, and assumes modern socio-political significance in connection with Imelda Marcos, former First Lady of the Philippines. Longitudinal demographic data in the United States reveal that Imelda has sustained a consistently modest usage profile, peaking at 58 recorded births (rank 933) in 2016 and registering 42 occurrences (rank 908) in 2024, a pattern that underscores its appeal to parents seeking a name characterized by historical depth, linguistic precision and discreet rarity.