Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Rhonda

Rhonda is a Welsh name with two possible meanings. The first etymology suggests Rhonda means “good spear” from the Welsh elements “rhon” (spear) and “da” (good). Alternately, the name may be derived from the Rhondda Valley in South Wales which is said to come from the Old Welsh meaning “noisy” (referring to the River Rhondda). Rhonda came into circulation as a female first name in the 20th century and may have been partially inspired by an aristocratic Welshwoman, the Viscountess Rhonnda, Margaret Haig Mackworth, who was also a notable British feminist/suffragist in her time (1888-1953). This is a name that saw most of its success during the middle of the 20th century but has since fallen out of fashionable use.

All About the Baby Name – Rhonda

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME RHONDA

Romance is the hallmark of the Six personality. They exude nurturing, loving, and caring energy. Sixes are in love with the idea of love in its idealized form - and with their magnetic personalities, they easily draw people toward them. Like the number Two personality, they seek balance and harmony in their life and the world at large. They are conscientious and service-oriented, and a champion for the underdog. These personalities naturally attract money and are usually surrounded by lovely material objects - but their human relationships are always primary. They thrive in giving back to others rather than being motivated by their own desires. This is when they achieve great things. Sixes are natural teachers, ministers and counselors.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME RHONDA

Rhonda first appeared on America’s Top 1000 list of baby girl names in 1935 and it took her less than 20 years to reach the Top 100. In fact, it’ll come as no surprise that Rhonda’s best year ever was in 1965 at position #37 on the charts. This also happened to be the year The Beach Boys released their iconic single “Help me, Rhonda” (in the song, Rhonda’s help is implored by the singer who is trying to get over the heartbreak of another woman). In 1971, superstar Diana Ross named her first child Rhonda Suzanne, a product of her long running affair with Motown music mogul Berry Gordy. Rhonda was a pretty hot name for about 25 years (1950-1975), but her rapid rise to the top of the charts was followed by an equally rapid decline. In fact, the name dropped off America’s Top 1000 list of girl names in 1994 and has yet to see a comeback. Even the Asst. State’s Attorney character Rhonda Pearlman from HBOs “The Wire” did nothing to influence a revival interest in this charming mid-century classic. No doubt, this is a name in need of some “help” herself now.

Quick Facts

ON RHONDA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Welsh

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

RAHN-də

SIMPLE MEANING:

Good spear; Noisy

Characteristics

OF RHONDA

Humanitarian

Community-minded

Family-oriented

Loving

Affectionate

Compassionate

Sensitive

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Rhonda

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME RHONDA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Rhonda

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME RHONDA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Rhonda


Popular Songs

ON RHONDA

Suburban Rhonda
a song by Magazine

Rhonda
a song by Pastor Troy [explicit]

Harry & Rhonda
a song by Frank Zappa

Artificial Rhonda
a song by Frank Zappa

Help me, Rhonda
a song by The Beach Boys

Famous People

NAMED RHONDA

Rhonda Fleming (actress)
Rhonda Vincent (bluegrass musician)
Rhonda Sing (wrestler)
Rhonda Rajsich (racquetball World Champion )
Rhonda Shear (comic)

Children of Famous People

NAMED RHONDA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Rhonda

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME RHONDA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Rhonda