Imelda

Girl Name
Origin:germanic
Pronunciation:/ɪˈmɛl.də/

Imelda: a female name of Germanic origin meaning "This name derives from Old High German “Irmhild and Ermenhilde,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*ermunaz” (strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight)". It derives from the Germanic word "*ermunaz *hildiz > IRMHILD / Ermenhilde".

Imelda has maintained its appeal as a feminine name in modern times while preserving its Germanic roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from Old High German “Irmhild and Ermenhilde,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*ermunaz” (strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight)" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.

Quick Facts About Imelda

Quick facts about Imelda
OriginGermanic
GenderGirl name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from Old High German “Irmhild and Ermenhilde,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*ermunaz” (strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight). Blessed Imelda Lambertini (1322–1333) is the patroness of First Holy Communicants. Emnilda († 1017) was a Slavic princess and Duchess of the Polans from 992 by her marriage with the Piast ruler Bolesław I the Brave.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

*ermunaz *hildiz > IRMHILD / Ermenhilde

How to Pronounce Imelda

Imelda is pronounced /ɪˈmɛl.də/(English)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Im-elda
  2. Say it like: "IM-ELDA"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Imelda enjoys international appeal, used in 4 different linguistic and cultural contexts including spanish, italian, slovene, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.

spanishitalianslovenefilipino
Frequently Asked Questions About Imelda
What does the name Imelda mean?
Imelda means "This name derives from Old High German “Irmhild and Ermenhilde,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*ermunaz” (strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight). Blessed Imelda Lambertini (1322–1333) is the patroness of First Holy Communicants. Emnilda († 1017) was a Slavic princess and Duchess of the Polans from 992 by her marriage with the Piast ruler Bolesław I the Brave.". The name comes from *ermunaz *hildiz > IRMHILD / Ermenhilde. This germanic name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Imelda for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from Old High German “Irmhild and Ermenhilde,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*ermunaz” (strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight). Blessed Imelda Lambertini (1322–1333) is the patroness of First Holy Communicants. Emnilda († 1017) was a Slavic princess and Duchess of the Polans from 992 by her marriage with the Piast ruler Bolesław I the Brave." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Imelda's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Imelda?
Imelda is a germanic name. The name traces back to *ermunaz *hildiz > IRMHILD / Ermenhilde. From its germanic roots, Imelda spread to become common in spanish, italian, slovene, filipino. The germanic meaning "This name derives from Old High German “Irmhild and Ermenhilde,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*ermunaz” (strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight). Blessed Imelda Lambertini (1322–1333) is the patroness of First Holy Communicants. Emnilda († 1017) was a Slavic princess and Duchess of the Polans from 992 by her marriage with the Piast ruler Bolesław I the Brave." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Imelda a boy or girl name?
Imelda is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In germanic tradition, Imelda has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from Old High German “Irmhild and Ermenhilde,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*ermunaz” (strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight). Blessed Imelda Lambertini (1322–1333) is the patroness of First Holy Communicants. Emnilda († 1017) was a Slavic princess and Duchess of the Polans from 992 by her marriage with the Piast ruler Bolesław I the Brave." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Imelda?
Imelda is pronounced "/ɪˈmɛl.də/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Imelda is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in spanish, italian, slovene, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with germanic names, listening to a native speaker say Imelda can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Imelda?
Imelda is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Imelda offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Imelda's popularity may vary between germanic communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from Old High German “Irmhild and Ermenhilde,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*ermunaz” (strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight). Blessed Imelda Lambertini (1322–1333) is the patroness of First Holy Communicants. Emnilda († 1017) was a Slavic princess and Duchess of the Polans from 992 by her marriage with the Piast ruler Bolesław I the Brave." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Imelda holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Imelda commonly used?
Imelda spans multiple cultures, including spanish, italian, slovene, and 1 other traditions. Though germanic in origin, Imelda found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Imelda, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from Old High German “Irmhild and Ermenhilde,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*ermunaz” (strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight). Blessed Imelda Lambertini (1322–1333) is the patroness of First Holy Communicants. Emnilda († 1017) was a Slavic princess and Duchess of the Polans from 992 by her marriage with the Piast ruler Bolesław I the Brave." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Imelda into their naming traditions. A child named Imelda will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Imelda is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Imelda?
Imelda carries associations with RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from Old High German “Irmhild and Ermenhilde,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*ermunaz” (strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight). Blessed Imelda Lambertini (1322–1333) is the patroness of First Holy Communicants. Emnilda († 1017) was a Slavic princess and Duchess of the Polans from 992 by her marriage with the Piast ruler Bolesław I the Brave." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In germanic culture, where Imelda originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Imelda sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Imelda often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In spanish communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

Similar Names

Explore More Names