Lady

What does the baby name Lady mean? Learn about what Lady means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Lady - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Lady: L-A-D-Y, is a 4-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Lady: LAY dee
Meaning of Lady: Woman of high manners, lady.
Origin of Lady: The name 'Lady' has a rich history that dates back centuries. Its earliest known use can be traced to the Old English word 'hlæfdige', which means 'bread-kneader' or 'loaf-kneader'. In medieval times, a lady was a woman of high social rank, often associated with nobility or aristocracy. The term evolved to represent a woman who embodied grace, elegance, and refinement.; English Names; Pet Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Lady: Ada; Adalada; Adalia; Adaliah; Adan; Addalah; Addiah; Addie; Adelaide; Adelais; Adelajda; Adele; Adelhaid; Adelia; Adella; Adia; Aida; Aline; Alyosha; Del; Della; Delly; Edelaid; Edeline; Line; Heidi
Popularity of Lady: Over time, the popularity of the name 'Lady' has experienced various trends and notable spikes in usage. In the medieval period, it was primarily used as a title for women of noble birth. However, during the Victorian era, the name gained popularity as a given name for girls. It was seen as a way to bestow a sense of sophistication and gentility upon a child.; Lady currently has 1 like, and is in the top 21% of liked girl's names. The name Abeke is slightly more popular than Lady.

Etymology of Lady

To understand the linguistic roots of the name 'Lady', we must look to its origin language, Old English. The word 'hlæfdige' is a compound of 'hlaf', meaning 'loaf' or 'bread', and 'dige', meaning 'kneader' or 'maker'. This etymology reflects the historical association of women with domestic tasks such as bread-making.

Cultural Significance of Lady

The name 'Lady' holds particular cultural significance in societies that value aristocracy and chivalry. It represents a woman of high social standing, often associated with elegance, refinement, and a sense of nobility. In literature and art, the term 'lady' has been used to depict characters who embody grace, beauty, and virtue.