All about the name

Hilda

Female

« Hilda is a Germanic name derived from Old Norse Hildr, meaning 'battle by the lake' or 'war-like lady.' »

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Meaning, origin, history

Hilda is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old Norse name Hildr. This name is composed of two elements: "hildr," which means battle or combat, and "-laug," a suffix that refers to a lairge or large body of water. Therefore, the name Hilda can be interpreted as meaning "battle by the lake" or "war-like lady." The name Hilda was popular among early medieval Germanic tribes and was used by several notable figures throughout history. One such figure is Saint Hilda of Whitby, who lived in the 7th century and was a abbess at the monastery of Whitby Abbey. She was known for her intelligence, wisdom, and holiness, and her influence extended beyond her monastery to the wider Anglo-Saxon world. In literature, Hilda has been used as a character name in several works, including the novel "Hild" by Nicola Griffith, which tells the story of a young woman named Hild who grows up to become a powerful queen. The name has also appeared in various forms of media, such as the animated series "Adventure Time," where it is used as the name of one of the main characters. Today, Hilda remains a unique and distinctive name that carries with it a sense of history and strength. While its popularity has varied over time, it continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its meaning and heritage.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Hilda since 1880

Total births
80,911
Total since 1880
Peak year
1921
2,128 births
in 2023
56
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+49%
vs previous 5 years