Griselda

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Griselda

Gender: Feminine
Language: German, English
Etymology:
Griselda is a German name meaning “Gray Battle” from “gris” (gray) and “hild” (battle).

History:
Griselda is a medieval name, most often found in Germanic countries. It was introduced to England by Chaucer who included the popular tale of “Patient Griselda” (also found in Giovanni Boccaccio’s Decameron) in his Canterbury Tales. The story was about a wife who patiently endures her husband’s rather sadistic tests.

Although it surged briefly in the 1980s, the name Griselda resembles the unattractive word “grizzled” (a word to which it is slightly related) and is rarely used.

Pronunciation: griz-eld-ah.

Diminutives: Zelda.

Alternates: Grisel.
Scottish: Grissel, Grizel, Grizzel.

Famous Bearers:
Miscellaneous:
Griselda (1721)
An opera by Alessandro Scarlatti (1660-1725).

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
0.007 % named Griselda

Popularity of Griselda:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1970: N/A
1970-1980: 821st most popular.
1980-1990: 764th most popular.
1990: 662nd most popular.
1991: 683rd most popular.
1992: 744th most popular.
1993: 642nd most popular.
1994: 781st most popular.
1995: 793rd most popular.
1996: N/A