Holger is a unique and distinctive male given name that has its roots in Old Norse and Scandinavian origins. The name is derived from the Old Norse word "Hólgífr," which means "hallowed" or "holy." It was popular among the Vikings during the Middle Ages, particularly among those who lived in regions such as Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland.
The earliest known references to Holger come from Old Norse literature. One of the most famous is the tale of Hólger Danske, a legendary Viking hero who was said to have fought against invading enemies alongside King Alfred the Great. According to legend, Holger returned to Denmark after his death and now resides in the Kronborg Castle at Elsinore, awaiting the day when he will rise again to defend his homeland.
Throughout history, Holger has been associated with strength, bravery, and loyalty. It was often given to sons born into noble or warrior families as a way of invoking these qualities and encouraging their children to live up to the legacy of Hólger Danske.
Today, Holger is still used as a male given name in Scandinavian countries, although it has fallen out of fashion somewhat since its heyday during the Middle Ages. Despite this, it remains a powerful and meaningful choice for parents looking for a unique and historically significant name for their sons.
The statistics provided show the number of babies named Holger born in the United States each year from 1898 to 2002. During this period, there were a total of 244 births with the name Holger.
The highest number of babies named Holger was born in 1916, with 16 newborns sharing this name that year. This was also one of only two years where more than 15 babies were named Holger; the other year was 1912, with 13 births.
Interestingly, there were several periods of time where no babies named Holger were born in a given year. These years include: 1899 to 1911 (except for 1912), 1940 to 1951, 1972 to 1986 (except for 1987), and 1990 to 2001.
The most recent data available is from the year 2002, where there were also 5 babies named Holger born in the United States. This suggests that while not particularly popular, the name Holger has remained present in American naming traditions over the past century.