What does Hildred mean and where does it come from?
Hildred is derived from the Old English name 'Hildræd', composed of the elements 'hild' meaning 'battle' and 'ræd' meaning 'counsel' or 'strength'. This name has historical roots in Anglo-Saxon England and was relatively common in medieval times. Its first recorded use dates back to the 13th century
Cultural significance
Hildred has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of battle strength.
Peak popularity
Reached #474 in 1898 — currently #1559 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Hildred?
Hildred works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Hildred Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Hildred Rose
Floral · soft ending
Hildred Mae
Sweet · timeless
Hildred Claire
French influence · crisp
Hildred Jane
Literary · strong
Hildred Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Hildred right now?
Holding steady — currently #1559 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1559 | 641 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1564 | 621 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1569 | 591 | ▲ up 4315 · +9750% births |
| 1965 | #5884 | 6 | ▼ down 1766 · -33% births |
| 1955 | #4118 | 9 | ▼ down 1550 · -44% births |
| 1950 | #2568 | 16 | ▲ up 219 · +45% births |
| 1945 | #2787 | 11 | ▼ down 1336 · -61% births |
| 1940 | #1451 | 28 | ▼ down 282 · -24% births |
| 1935 | #1169 | 37 | ▼ down 45 · -16% births |
| 1930 | #1124 | 44 | ▼ down 248 · -39% births |
| 1925 | #876 | 72 | ▼ down 101 · -18% births |
| 1920 | #775 | 88 | ▼ down 47 · +5% births |
| 1915 | #728 | 84 | ▲ up 101 · +200% births |
| 1910 | #829 | 28 | ▼ down 210 · -15% births |
| 1905 | #619 | 33 | — |
The story of Hildred
Hildred has been a beloved American name for over 135 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1889. With 2,825 total births recorded, Hildred remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #870 in 1890, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1559 in 2023. Hildred is used for both genders: 85% female and 15% male.
Names that peaked alongside Hildred in 1898:
Hildred by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 184 | |
| 1900s | 263 | |
| 1910s | 701 | |
| 1920s ★ | 862 | |
| 1930s | 449 | |
| 1940s | 240 | |
| 1950s | 99 | |
| 1960s | 22 | |
💎With 2,825 total births, Hildred is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Hildred?
What names sound and feel like Hildred?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hildred also consider these
How is Hildred written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Hildred
What does the name Hildred mean?
Hildred means "battle strength" — a name rooted in England 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 Hildred?
Hildred 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 Hildred?
Hildred originates from England tradition. England 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 Hildred?
Hildred is a two-syllable name pronounced HH IH1 L D R EH1 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Hildred a common or rare name?
Hildred is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.