Hildegarde

“Battle maid”

Germanic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1086US 2023

1.1kBirths / yr

→Stable

2.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 188500.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Hildegarde

HILD·ig·ahrd

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

“Battle maid”

Germanic origin · Girl name

What does Hildegarde mean and where does it come from?

Hildegarde is of German origin, from the old Germanic name 'Hildegard' (Hilde = battle, gard = protector). Historically, it has been favored in German-speaking countries and carries connotations of strength and femininity. Hildegarde has been borne by several notable historical figures, including Hi

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #575 in 1901 — currently #1086 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Hildegarde?

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

Hildegarde Grace

How popular is Hildegarde right now?

Holding steady — currently #1086 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#1086 · Top 0.80%

1905

1910

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

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2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1086	1,114	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1091	1,094	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1096	1,064	▲ up 5362 · +21180% births
1960	#6458	5	▼ down 1664 · -29% births
1955	#4794	7	▼ down 782 · -12% births
1950	#4012	8	▼ down 578
1945	#3434	8	▼ down 1786 · -65% births
1940	#1648	23	▼ down 185 · -12% births
1935	#1463	26	▼ down 384 · -45% births
1930	#1079	47	▼ down 118 · -22% births
1925	#961	60	▼ down 49 · -6% births
1920	#912	64	▼ down 327 · -48% births
1915	#585	124	▲ up 101 · +218% births
1910	#686	39	▼ down 70 · +18% births
1905	#616	33	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Hildegarde

Best Year1915Rank #585

Peak Count1,114

Average Rank#1911

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202316 years

The story of Hildegarde

Hildegarde has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. With 2,326 total births recorded, Hildegarde remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #840 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1086 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Hildegarde in 1901:

Mary Helen Anna Margaret Ruth

Hildegarde by decade

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

Decade	Births
1880s	24
1890s	183
1900s	294
1910s ★	719
1920s	563
1930s	308
1940s	149
1950s	68
1960s	18

💎With 2,326 total births, Hildegarde is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Hildegarde?

Common

HilHiArde

Famous people named Hildegarde

Hildegarde (medieval German ruler)

Hildegarde bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.

Hildegarde (Norse explorer)

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

Hildegarde (German philosopher)

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

Hildegarde (Scandinavian royal)

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

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Hildegarde?

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

Hildagarde

Germanic · meaning 'battle maid'

Hildegard

Germanic · Battle maid

Hildegunde

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Bellegarde

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Gerturde

Germanic · German

Emily-jade

Germanic · A Germanic name

Ermengarde

German · A German name

Sieglinde

Germanic · Victory and softness

How is Hildegarde written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Hildegarde

What does the name Hildegarde mean?

Hildegarde 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 Hildegarde?

Hildegarde 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 Hildegarde?

Hildegarde 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 Hildegarde?

Hildegarde is a three-syllable name pronounced HH IH1 L D IH0 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 Hildegarde?

Hildegarde 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.