Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Belinda
GirlGermanic, English
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Germanic, English
- Pronunciation
- buh-LIHN-duh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,819
- US babies 2025
- 110
- Best rank
- #141 (1961)
- Peak year
- 1961
Meaning and origin of Belinda
Belinda is usually linked to Germanic and English roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
The origin of Belinda is uncertain. It may come from Germanic elements, with the ending often connected to lind, read as "soft" or "gentle," but no explanation is settled. The name found fame in England through Alexander Pope, who gave it to the heroine of his mock-epic poem The Rape of the Lock in the early eighteenth century. From there it became a fashionable literary name, later used by Maria Edgeworth for her novel Belinda. It has a breezy, retro sound today, and Bel, Belle, and Linda are all natural nicknames.
Popularity over time
Belinda first appears in US Social Security records in 1889. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 64 different years, starting in 1940. Its best national rank was #141 in 1961, the same year it reached its highest count of 3,120 babies. In 2025, 110 babies were named Belinda, and it ranked #1,819 nationally. That is 43% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,916 in 1920, #173 in 1950, #349 in 1980, #1,433 in 2000, #865 in 2010, and #1,819 in 2025. Of the 72,960 US girls named Belinda since records began, 31% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 20,941 babies. Since 2010, 2,882 more have been named Belinda.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Shari, Toni, Sandy, Lynne, and Carmen.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Belinda ranked highest in Florida, Virginia, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #1124 | 13 |
| Virginia | #1212 | 5 |
| California | #1248 | 20 |
| Texas | #1277 | 20 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Belinda is usually pronounced buh-LIHN-duh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with B and ends in “-da”.
Middle names for Belinda
A few middle names that flow with Belinda: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Belinda
Similar names
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mur-AN-duh
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muh-TIL-duh
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muh-LIHN-duh
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Carrie Girl
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Vanessa Girl
vuh-NEH-suh
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AY-duh
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A-lih-suhn
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Robin Unisex
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Lists that include Belinda
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Belinda mean?
Belinda is usually linked to Germanic and English roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Belinda?
Belinda has Germanic and English roots. The origin of Belinda is uncertain.
Is Belinda a popular name?
Not especially. Belinda ranked #1,819 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Belinda a boy or girl name?
Belinda is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Belinda?
Belinda is usually pronounced buh-LIHN-duh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings