Zelda

Zelda is a Germanic name, a short form of Griselda composed of elements meaning "gray" and "battle" — though it has also been connected to the Yiddish name Zelda meaning "happy" or "blessed." In modern culture, Zelda is primarily associated with The Legend of Zelda video game franchise, first released by Nintendo in 1986, and with Zelda Fitzgerald, the brilliant and turbulent wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. For pets, Zelda carries both artistic flair and a hint of wild adventure — the name of a companion who is creative, spirited, and slightly unpredictable in the best way.

Zelda holds #293 on the pet name charts and has experienced a remarkable cultural rehabilitation. Once a quaint, old-fashioned name, it was reinvented by both Zelda Fitzgerald's legendary artistic persona and Nintendo's enduring video game franchise. The dual association — Jazz Age bohemian and fantasy adventure — gives Zelda an unusually rich personality for a pet name. It suits a companion who is creative and spirited, who approaches life as though it is an adventure with optional quests, and who has a particular kind of wild-hearted charm that owners find completely captivating.