Hedda

“battle maiden” — Associated with strength and prophecy

Sweden origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1553US 2023

647Births / yr

→Stable

220All-time births

📅 Since 190000

How to pronounce Hedda

HED·uh

/ˈhɛd.ə/ · stress on HED · 2 syllables

“battle maiden”

Associated with strength and prophecy · Sweden origin

What does Hedda mean and where does it come from?

Hedda is of Scandinavian and Germanic origin, derived from the Old Norse name 'Hedda', meaning 'battle maiden'. This name has gained popularity in Northern Europe and has historical roots in Norse mythology where it is associated with strength and prophecy. It became particularly popular in the 19th

Cultural significance

Hedda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Sweden-speaking communities, where it reflects values of battle maiden.

Peak popularity

Reached #2177 in 1900 — currently #1553 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Hedda?

Hedda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Hedda Grace

How popular is Hedda right now?

Holding steady — currently #1553 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1900–2023#1553 · Top 1.1%

1900

1925

1940

1945

1950

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1553	647	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1558	627	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1563	597	▲ up 2495 · +7363% births
1950	#4058	8	▼ down 1069 · -20% births
1945	#2989	10	▼ down 150
1940	#2839	10	▲ up 1698 · +67% births
1925	#4537	6	▼ down 2360 · +20% births
1900	#2177	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Hedda

Best Year2023Rank #1553

Peak Count647

Average Rank#2659

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 20238 years

The story of Hedda

Hedda has been a beloved American name for over 124 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1900. With 220 total births recorded, Hedda remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2177 in 1900 to #1553 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Hedda in 1900:

Mary Helen Anna Margaret Ruth

Hedda by decade

Hedda peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →

Decade	Births
1900s	5
1920s	17
1930s	18
1940s ★	93
1950s	59
1960s	5
1970s	18
2000s	5

💎Hedda has only 220 total recorded births since 1900 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Hedda?

Common

HedHe

What names sound and feel like Hedda?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hedda also consider these

Heda

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hedva

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Herda

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Dedda

French · A French name

How is Hedda written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Hedda

What does the name Hedda mean?

Hedda means "battle maiden" — a name rooted in Sweden tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Hedda?

Hedda is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Hedda?

Hedda originates from Sweden tradition. Sweden names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Hedda?

Hedda is a two-syllable name pronounced HH EH1 D AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Hedda a common or rare name?

Hedda is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.