Origin and Meaning of Griselda

Gray battle maiden

Origin: Germanic - Derived from the elements 'gris' meaning 'gray' and 'hild' meaning 'battle'. It emphasizes a person who is strong in battle while having a noble, serene demeanor.

• Griselda is often associated with the medieval tale of 'Griselda' from Giovanni Boccaccio's 'Decameron', which portrays her as a paragon of patience and virtue.
• The name has been used in various cultures, particularly in Italian and Spanish-speaking countries, often in literary and artistic contexts.
• Notable bearers include Griselda Blanco, a Colombian drug lord known as the 'Black Widow', and Griselda Gambaro, an Argentine playwright and novelist.
• The popularity of Griselda has fluctuated, once being more common in the early 20th century but now considered quite rare in modern usage.
• Variations of the name Griselda include Grisel, Grizel, and the diminutive form Griselita, which are found in various cultures.