Despite its French origin, the name is most closely associated with Ouida, the pen name of Marie Louise de la Ramée (1839-1908). She was a popular British novelist known for her romantic and melodramatic stories.
Therefore, the meaning of the name Ouida is unclear. It could be a diminutive of Louise or Eugénie, or it could be a standalone name without any specific meaning.
It's important to note that while the name is uncommon, it is associated with a famous writer, which might give it some literary or artistic connotations.