Hildred is a name of Old English origin that means "battle and protection". It was likely borne by several individuals in the Middle Ages, but no famous figures bearing this name have been recorded in history.
The name Hildred is composed of two elements: 'hild', which means 'battle' or 'strife', and 'red', meaning 'counsel' or 'protection'. Thus, the name as a whole translates to "battle and protection".
While Hildred was once common in England, it has become quite rare today. It is still used occasionally, but mostly as a middle name rather than a first name.
There are no significant historical figures associated with the name Hildred, nor any notable events or locations named after someone with this name. Therefore, its history is primarily tied to its linguistic origins and usage throughout the centuries.
The name Hildred has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, as reflected in these statistics from 1889 to 1965. Between 1889 and 1903, there was an average of about 17 births per year with this name. However, starting in 1904, there was a significant increase in popularity, with the number of annual births reaching as high as 84 in 1915.
The peak years for Hildred were between 1912 and 1923, during which time the name was consistently among the top 1,000 names given to newborns. This period of popularity may have been influenced by various cultural factors, such as literary or historical figures named Hildred.
However, after 1924, there was a steady decline in the usage of this name. By the 1930s and 1940s, it had become quite rare, with fewer than 30 births per year on average. In fact, between 1950 and 1965, Hildred only appeared among the birth records a total of five times.
Despite its waning popularity in recent decades, Hildred has a rich history as a given name in the United States. These statistics demonstrate how the usage of this name has evolved over time, reflecting changing trends and tastes in baby naming.