Hildred

“battle strength”

England origin · Unisex name

♂ 15% boys♀ 85% girls

#1559US 2023

641Births / yr

→Stable

2.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 188900.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Hildred

HILDR·ED

/ˈhɪldr.ˈɛd/ · stress on HILDR · 2 syllables

“battle strength”

England origin · Unisex name

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Hildred right now?

Holding steady — currently #1559 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1890–2023#1559 · Top 1.2%

1905

1910

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1965

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Hildred

Best Year1905Rank #619

Peak Count641

Average Rank#1780

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202316 years

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:

Mary Anna Helen Margaret Ruth

Hildred by decade

Hildred peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

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?

Common

HilHiIldred

What names sound and feel like Hildred?

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

Wildred

American · A blend of

Mildred

English · gentle strength

Hildreth

England · Old English

Milred

England · gentle strength

Hilfried

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Hilder

Norse · Battle maid; warrior

Aldred

England · old counsel

Midred

English · Old English

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.