Meaning, origin, history
Hilma is a feminine given name of Germanic origin. It comes from the Old High German word "hilm" which means "protection" or "helmet". The name has been used since the Middle Ages and was popular among the German nobility during that time.
The name Hilma is also associated with the Finnish artist Hilma af Klint (1862-1944), who was a pioneer of abstract art. She was known for her spiritual paintings and her influence on future generations of artists.
In Sweden, the name Hilma has been popular since the early 20th century and it ranked among the top 100 most popular names for girls in the country during the 1930s and 1940s. Today, it is still used but less frequently than before.
Overall, Hilma is a unique and historic name with a strong meaning behind it. It's not very common today, which makes it a great choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their daughter.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Hilma since 1880
Total births
2,999
Total since 1880
Peak year
1915
105 births
in 1971
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years