Hildegard

“Battle maid”

Germanic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#6252US 2023

19Births / yr

↓Falling

1.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 188800.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Hildegard

HILD·ug·ahrd

/ˈhɪld.əɡ.ˌɑrd/ · stress on HILD · 3 syllables

“Battle maid”

Germanic origin · Girl name

What does Hildegard mean and where does it come from?

Hildegard is of Old German origin, stemming from the elements 'hild' (battle) and 'gard' (protection). It has historical significance, closely associated with St. Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th-century mystic, composer, and philosopher who contributed significantly to music and natural sciences. The na

Cultural significance

Hildegard has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of battle maid.

Peak popularity

Reached #621 in 1906 — currently #6252 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Hildegard?

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

Hildegard Grace

How popular is Hildegard right now?

Falling — down 553 spots — currently #6252 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1890–2023#6252 · Top 4.6%

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1970

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#6252	19	▼ down 553 · -14% births
2022	#5699	22	▲ up 2494 · +69% births
2021	#8193	13	▲ up 2826 · +63% births
2020	#11019	8	▲ up 3488 · +33% births
2015	#14507	6	▼ down 7379
1970	#7128	6	▼ down 2300 · -25% births
1960	#4828	8	▲ up 454 · +33% births
1955	#5282	6	▼ down 903 · -14% births
1950	#4379	7	▼ down 940 · -12% births
1945	#3439	8	▼ down 1388 · -50% births
1940	#2051	16	▼ down 528 · -33% births
1935	#1523	24	▼ down 475 · -52% births
1930	#1048	50	▲ up 93 · +9% births
1925	#1141	46	▲ up 192 · +31% births
1920	#1333	35	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Hildegard

Best Year1915Rank #741

Peak Count81

Average Rank#4292

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202319 years

The story of Hildegard

Hildegard has been a beloved American name for over 136 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1888. With 1,858 total births recorded, Hildegard remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1297 in 1890, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6252 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Hildegard in 1906:

Mary Helen Margaret Anna Ruth

Hildegard by decade

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

Decade	Births
1880s	6
1890s	130
1900s	219
1910s ★	483
1920s	436
1930s	276
1940s	108
1950s	93
1960s	41
1970s	6
2010s	52
2020s	8

💎With 1,858 total births, Hildegard is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Hildegard?

Common

HilHiEgard

Famous people named Hildegard

Hildegard (Norse explorer)

Hildegard carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.

Hildegard (German philosopher)

Hildegard used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.

Hildegard (Scandinavian royal)

Hildegard held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.

Hildegard (Germanic saint)

Hildegard spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Hildegard?

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

Hildagard

Germanic · Battlement or warrior

Hildegaard

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Hildegardt

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Ilsegard

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Heidegard

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Irmengard

Irish · A Irish name

Friedegard

French · A French name

Leonard

Germanic · Germanic

How is Hildegard written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Hildegard

What does the name Hildegard mean?

Hildegard means "Battle maid" — 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 Hildegard?

Hildegard is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Hildegard have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Hildegard?

Hildegard 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 Hildegard?

Hildegard is a three-syllable name pronounced HH IH1 L D AH0 G AA2 R D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Hildegard?

Hildegard pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Germanic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.