What does Hilda mean and where does it come from?
The name Hilda has German and Scandinavian origins and is derived from the Old German name 'Hildegard,' which means 'battle' or 'warrior.' It has been used since the Middle Ages and is particularly popular in Germany and some Nordic countries. The name is often associated with strong female figures
Cultural significance
Hilda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of battle maiden.
Peak popularity
Reached #88 in 1899 — currently #1229 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Hilda?
Hilda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Hilda Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Hilda Rose
Floral · soft ending
Hilda Mae
Sweet · timeless
Hilda Claire
French influence · crisp
Hilda Jane
Literary · strong
Hilda Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Hilda right now?
Holding steady — currently #1229 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1229 | 971 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1234 | 951 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1239 | 921 | ▲ up 2128 · +1947% births |
| 2020 | #3367 | 45 | ▼ down 72 · -8% births |
| 2015 | #3295 | 49 | ▲ up 111 · +4% births |
| 2010 | #3406 | 47 | ▼ down 1051 · -37% births |
| 2005 | #2355 | 75 | ▼ down 339 · -9% births |
| 2000 | #2016 | 82 | ▼ down 781 · -41% births |
| 1995 | #1235 | 138 | ▼ down 130 · -13% births |
| 1990 | #1105 | 158 | ▼ down 231 · -14% births |
| 1985 | #874 | 183 | ▼ down 189 · -28% births |
| 1980 | #685 | 253 | ▼ down 55 · +2% births |
| 1975 | #630 | 249 | ▼ down 46 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #584 | 299 | ▼ down 96 · -21% births |
| 1965 | #488 | 377 | — |
The story of Hilda
Hilda has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #88 in 1899. A total of 80,927 babies have received this name. Once ranked #199 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1229 in 2023. Hilda is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Hilda in 1899:
Hilda by decade
Hilda peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,280 | |
| 1890s | 4,732 | |
| 1900s | 6,790 | |
| 1910s | 15,707 | |
| 1920s ★ | 18,251 | |
| 1930s | 9,492 | |
| 1940s | 7,570 | |
| 1950s | 6,309 | |
| 1960s | 3,602 | |
| 1970s | 2,587 | |
| 1980s | 1,927 | |
| 1990s | 1,362 | |
| 2000s | 827 | |
| 2010s | 446 | |
| 2020s | 45 | |
What are good nicknames for Hilda?
Famous people named Hilda
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Hilda (medieval German ruler)
Hilda bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
H(
Hilda (Scandinavian royal)
Hilda held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
H(
Hilda (Germanic saint)
Hilda spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
H(
Hilda (medieval German ruler)
Hilda bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Hilda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hilda also consider these
How is Hilda written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Hilda
What does the name Hilda mean?
Hilda means "battle maiden" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Hilda?
Hilda is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Hilda?
Hilda originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Hilda?
Hilda is a two-syllable name pronounced HH IH1 L D AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Hilda a common or rare name?
Hilda is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.