All about the name

Hilda

Male

« Hilda is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old Norse word 'Hildr', meaning 'battle' or 'war'. It was popularized during the 19th century in the United Kingdom and Germany. »

#13308 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Hilda is a feminine given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old Norse name Hildi, which itself comes from the Old Norse word Hildr meaning "battle" or "war". This name was borne by several figures in Norse mythology, notably the valkyrie Hildr who chose the slain on the battlefield. The name Hilda became popular during the 19th century, particularly in the United Kingdom and Germany. It was often used as a middle name, but it also appeared occasionally as a first name. Today, Hilda is still considered to be a classic and elegant name, though its usage has somewhat declined over time. Some famous individuals named Hilda include the British novelist Hilda Doolittle (better known by her pen name H.D.), the German chemist and Nobel laureate HildaHLorey, and the American actress Hilda Vaughn. In literature, Hilda is also the name of the protagonist in Neil Gaiman's novel "The Graveyard Book". Overall, Hilda is a name with a rich history and strong roots in Germanic mythology. Its meaning, associated with strength and valor, makes it a powerful choice for a daughter's name. Despite its decline in popularity in recent decades, Hilda remains a timeless and distinguished name that continues to be beloved by many.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Hilda since 1880

Total births
178
Total since 1880
Peak year
1926
11 births
in 1983
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years