Belinda

Updated: October 24, 2023 by MomsWhoThink Staff

Belinda is a sweet baby name for girls. Known for its rich history in Europe, this name became an American staple during the second half of the 20th century. Belinda Blanchard was the titular protagonist of Belinda by Anne Rice, and Belinda Zito is a character in the Artemis Fowl franchise. Keep reading to learn more about this baby name.

Meaning of the Name Belinda

Belinda is a classic name with several possible origins. The most commonly cited origin is that Belinda derives from the Italian word bella (meaning “beautiful”). Since the suffix –linda also corresponds with the word for “pretty” or “beautiful” in other Romance languages (such as Spanish and Portuguese), many families choose Belinda with this intention in mind.

Large group of kids, friends boys and girls running in the park on sunny summer day in casual clothes — ©David Tadevosian/Shutterstock.com

Alternatively, Belinda may derive from the Old Germanic element lind (meaning “flexible,” “soft,” or “tender”). This is the same root element of flax plant known as the linden tree. Finally, Belinda may originate from the Old High German name Betlinde (meaning “snake” or “serpent”). Some etymologists link Betlinde to the same Germanic element lind, explaining that the nickname may have arisen from similarities between the movement of snakes and the flexibility of flaxen fiber.

Belinda is a classic name that may mean “beautiful,” “flexible,” or “serpent.” Poet Alexander Pope later immortalized the name in his contributions to Augustan literature. In this context, the symbol of Belinda was the lock of beautiful hair.

Nicknames for Belinda

The name Belinda evokes feelings of bounty and bliss. If you're looking for a nickname for the Belinda in your life, we recommend some fun options like “Bindy” or “Linda”. Below, we've compiled a list of nickname options to help get you inspired: