Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Naida
GirlGreek· “uncertain; possibly from naiad, water nymph”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly from naiad, water nymph (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- NAY-duh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #14,401
- US babies 2025
- 6
- Best rank
- #1,109 (1932)
- Peak year
- 1930
Meaning and origin of Naida
Naida is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly from naiad, water nymph”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
Naida is a rare name of uncertain origin. It is often linked to the Greek naias, a naiad or water nymph of springs and rivers, but it may also be a variant of Nadia or Nada, Slavic names connected with hope, or an independent creation. Because none of these explanations is documented as its source, the meaning is not settled. The name is usually said NAY-duh, though NY-duh is also heard. Naida has a quiet, lyrical sound. Nadia, Nyda and Neida are related in shape.
Popularity over time
Naida first appears in US Social Security records in 1907. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,109 in 1932, and the most babies received it in 1930, when 44 were named Naida. In 2025, 6 babies were named Naida, and it ranked #14,401 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,337 in 1920, #2,865 in 1950, #6,617 in 1980, #7,903 in 2000, #13,113 in 2010, and #14,401 in 2025. Of the 1,714 US girls named Naida since records began, 18% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 302 babies. Since 2010, 98 more have been named Naida.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Nadene, Colene, Berna, Nadean, and Candelaria.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Naida is usually pronounced NAY-duh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with N and ends in “-da”.
Middle names for Naida
A few middle names that flow with Naida: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Naida
Similar names
Leda Girl
LEE-duh
“uncertain, possibly woman” · Greek
#8,641
Vada Girl
VAY-duh
#886
Glenda Girl
GLEHN-duh
“pure and good” · Welsh
#5,987
Ada Girl
AY-duh
“noble” · Germanic
#219
Wanda Girl
WAHN-duh
“uncertain, perhaps from the Vandals” · Polish
#6,096
Brenda Girl
BREHN-duh
“uncertain; possibly sword” · Old Norse
#1,527
Linda Girl
LIHN-duh
“pretty (Spanish); from Germanic names” · Germanic
#902
Ida Girl
EYE-duh
“work, labor” · Germanic
#1,120
Elda Girl
EHL-duh
“uncertain; possibly Germanic battle” · Italian
#5,972
Rida Girl
REE-duh
“contentment, satisfaction” · Arabic
#6,773
Anna Girl
AN-uh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
#107
Jada Girl
JAY-duh
American (modern coinage)
#1,201
Lists that include Naida
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Naida mean?
Naida is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly from naiad, water nymph”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Naida?
Naida has Greek roots. Naida is a rare name of uncertain origin.
Is Naida a popular name?
Not especially. Naida ranked #14,401 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Naida a boy or girl name?
Naida is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Naida?
Naida is usually pronounced NAY-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