Huldah is a unique and uncommon female given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "chuldah," which means "weasel" or "mole." The name Huldah is significant in Jewish history as it was borne by a prominent prophetess who lived during the reign of King Josiah in the 7th century BCE.
Huldah was a wise and devout woman, known for her interpretation of biblical texts. According to the Book of Kings in the Old Testament, Huldah's prophecies played a crucial role in the religious reform that took place under King Josiah. Her wisdom and spiritual guidance were highly regarded by both the king and his successors.
In addition to its historical significance, the name Huldah has been associated with other notable figures throughout history. For instance, Huldah was also the name of a prominent Jewish woman scholar in the 12th century who wrote a midrash on the Book of Genesis. This further emphasizes the association of this name with wisdom and intellectual pursuits.
Today, while not commonly used as a given name, Huldah remains an important figure in Jewish history and culture. Its unique origin and historical significance make it a distinctive choice for parents looking for a meaningful and uncommon name for their daughter.
The name Huldah has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century and a half. Between 1880 and 2023, there were a total of 856 births with this name recorded.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can see that the popularity of the name Huldah fluctuated significantly over time. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was relatively common, with around 10-30 babies named Huldah each year between 1880 and 1934.
However, there was a significant decline in popularity after the 1930s. Between 1935 and 1978, there were only five recorded births with this name each year on average. This low level of popularity persisted for several decades, with fewer than ten babies named Huldah born each year between 1944 and 2023.
Despite its relative rarity in recent years, the name Huldah has not disappeared entirely. In fact, there were six babies named Huldah born in the United States in 2023 alone, demonstrating that this historic name can still be a popular choice for parents today.
In conclusion, while the name Huldah has seen periods of both popularity and obscurity over the past century and a half, its enduring legacy is evident in the hundreds of babies who have been given this unique name since 1880.