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.
The name Hilda has had a varied history of popularity over the years in the United States. In its early decades of recording, it experienced several peaks and valleys.
Between 1909 to 1924, there was notable fluctuation in the number of newborn girls named Hilda. The most popular year during this period was 1926 with 11 births, while the least popular year was 1932 with only 5 births. This decade-long average was around 7 births per year.
However, from 1948 onwards, there seems to be a consistent decline in the popularity of the name Hilda. The years 1952, 1957, and 1978 each recorded only 5 births, suggesting that this period marked a significant drop-off in the use of this name.
The trend continued into the 1980s with a total of 20 births over four years (1980-1983). Despite this decrease, it is important to note that these numbers are not negligible; they indicate that even during periods of decreased popularity, there were still families choosing the name Hilda for their daughters.
Overall, from 1909 to 1983, a total of 178 newborn girls in the United States were named Hilda. This figure illustrates the ongoing albeit waning appeal of this name throughout the years.