Neda

Neda is one of those names that's simple, yet intriguing, familiar but rare — a magic combination. Derived from a variety of sources, it is a multi-cultural name too.

In Greek mythology, Neda was one of three Arcadian nymphs who nursed the infant Zeus. There is a river and a village in Greece named for her, which could also make this a place name.

The Persian name Neda can mean "voice", "call", or "proclaim", likely referring to the voice of God or a call or prayer. One notable bearer was Neda Agha-Soltan, a young woman who was shot dead during post-election protests in Tehran. There is a scholarship named in her honor at Oxford. The Arabic form of the name is Nida.

In Croatia, Serbia, and Bulgaria, Neda is a diminutive form of Nedeljka, Nedelya or Nedelina, all meaning "Sunday". It was borne by a medieval Slavic princess.

English speakers might hear it as a feminine form of Ned, which makes it a potential honor name for Grandpa Edward. It's also an anagram of Edna.

From its Galician and Spanish origins, it is a place name, derived either from neygʷ meaning "to wash" or from nedar or nedàmeaning "to swim". When used in Italy, it might be a diminutive of either Enedina, Natalia, or Antonietta.

Pronounced NAY-duh.

As of October 2026, Neda ranked #7398 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1425 in 1889.