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Hilda
Pronounced HIL-dah /ΛhΙͺl.dΙ/High
Meaning: From the Old High German element hild meaning battle or war; a short form of names beginning with this element, such as Hildegard and BrunhildeHigh
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Hilda derives from the Germanic element hild, meaning battle. The name was borne by the revered 7th-century Anglo-Saxon abbess Hilda of Whitby, who presided over the famous Synod of Whitby in 664 AD, one of the defining moments of early English Christianity.
Hilda spread across medieval Europe through the veneration of Hilda of Whitby and other Germanic saints. It was common in England before the Norman Conquest, fell into disuse, and experienced a Victorian revival in the 19th century. The name is now considered a vintage classic ripe for rediscovery.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
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Hilda of Whitby (614β680)Anglo-Saxon abbess who founded Whitby Abbey and hosted the Synod of Whitby; she is venerated as a saint.
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Hilda Doolittle (1886β1961)American poet and writer known by her initials H.D. and a leading figure of the Imagist movement.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Hilda mean?
Hilda means battle woman or woman warrior, from the Old High German element hild meaning battle.
How do you pronounce Hilda?
It is said HIL-dah, two syllables with stress on the first.
Is Hilda a boy or girl name?
Hilda is a girls' name.
How popular is Hilda?
Hilda was most popular in England and North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is now considered a vintage name with growing retro appeal.