Ida

Meaning industrious, prosperous
Origin English, German
Gender Girl
Popularity Moderate
Length 3
Syllables 2
Syllabification I-da

About Ida

Brevity creates impact with this three-letter powerhouse that refuses to be overlooked despite its compact form. The straightforward pronunciation eliminates any awkward first-day-of-school moments, while the vintage roots provide historical depth often missing in modern short names.

Strong women throughout history have carried this name with distinction, from pioneering journalists to civil rights activists, lending it an association with determination and independence. The name's simplicity becomes its greatest asset—impossible to misspell, easy to remember, and surprisingly sophisticated in its restraint.

Parents exhausted by elaborate, over-syllabled options discover refreshing relief in this crisp alternative. It works seamlessly across multiple languages and cultural contexts, making it ideal for internationally-minded families. The name requires no nicknames yet welcomes them if desired, offering complete flexibility.

Modern revival of vintage short names positions this perfectly within current trends while maintaining distinctiveness. It pairs beautifully with longer middle and surnames, creating balanced combinations that flow naturally.

Variations of Name Ida

Idah
Aida
Aidah
Iyda

Nicknames for Ida

Iddy
Di
Dee
Didi
Ida

Famous People Named Ida

Ida B. WellsAfrican American civil rights activist and journalist
Ida LupinoBritish-American actress and director
Ida TarbellAmerican investigative journalist and biographer
Ida Saxton McKinleyFirst Lady of the United States as the wife of President William McKinley
Ida NoddackGerman chemist and physicist
Ida RolfAmerican biochemist and the founder of Rolfing
Ida HaendelPolish-British violinist and child prodigy
Ida EngbergSwedish DJ and electronic music producer
Ida LjungqvistTanzanian-Swedish model and Playboy Playmate of the Year 2009
Ida KerkoviusGerman painter and textile artist

Characters Named Ida

Ida QuagmireCharacter in Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events"
Ida BeckerCharacter in the movie "Magnolia"
Ida KenzelCharacter in the video game "Watch Dogs 2"
Ida MorganCharacter in the TV series "The Good Doctor"
Ida LowryCharacter in the book "Where'd You Go, Bernadette" by Maria Semple
Ida PollockCharacter in the TV series "The Bill"
Ida MorgensternCharacter in the TV series "Rhoda"
Ida DunnwaldCharacter in the video game "Dreamfall Chapters"
Ida LennoxCharacter in the TV series "Downton Abbey"
Ida GoldCharacter in the movie "Fiddler on the Roof"

Other Popular Names Beginning with I

Ivy
Ivey
Ivanna
Itzae
Italy
Ilah
Idalia
Inaaya
Islay
Ireland