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Griselda

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Griselda
GenderFemale
Origin
Word/nameGermanic
Meaning"grey battle-maid"
Other names
Nickname(s)Zelda, Grissy, Selda, Grisel, Grizel
Related namesZelda

Griselda, also spelled Grizelda, is a feminine given name from Germanic sources that is now used in English, Italian, and Spanish as well. According to the 1990 United States Census, the name was 1,066th in popularity among females in the United States.

The name likely specifically stems from the Proto-Germanic language elements *grīsaz, "grey", and *hildiz, meaning "battle" (compare modern German grau and Held), thus literally "gray battle-maid".[1][2]

As a figure in European folklore, Griselda is noted for her patience and obedience and has been depicted in works of art, literature and opera.

The name can also be spelled "Griselde", "Grisselda", "Grieselda", "Grizelda", "Gricelda", and "Criselda".

Common nicknames include "Zelda", "Selda", "Grissy", "Gris", "Grisel", "Grizel" or "Crisel"

People named Griselda or Grizelda include:

Fictional characters include:

  • Griselda Marchbanks, in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter books
  • Griselda Salazar, in the Fear the Walking Dead television series
  • Grizelda (or Grizel) Oldbuck, the eponymous character's sister in Walter Scott's "The Antiquary."

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Douglas Harper (ed.), "Griselda", Online Etymology Dictionary
  2. ^ Campbell, Mike. "Meaning, origin and history of the name Griselda". Behind the Name. Retrieved 6 September 2017.