Hilda

♀ Girl

Pronounced HIL-dah /ˈhɪl.də/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

In 30 seconds: Hilda is a sturdy Old Germanic name meaning battle woman, borne by medieval saints and Norse valkyries alike — a serious vintage name experiencing a quiet modern revival.

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Origin HighGermanic, Old Norse

MeaningFrom the Old High German element hild meaning battle or war; a short form of names beginning with this element, such as Hildegard and Brunhilde

U.S. rank (2024)#3053 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births53 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1921

Total births (all-time)≈ 80,965

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

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.

Did you know? In Norse mythology, the Hildr was a valkyrie who carried warriors to Valhalla, and the element hild (battle) appears in dozens of Germanic names including Brunhilde, Hildegard, and Mathilda.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Hilda — Old High German hild etymology and saint historyOxford Dictionary of First Names — historical usage and medieval spread

Variations

HildeHildieHyldahHildur

Nicknames

HildieHill

Famous Bearers

★Hilda of Whitby (614–680)
Anglo-Saxon abbess who founded Whitby Abbey and hosted the Synod of Whitby; she is venerated as a saint.
★Hilda Doolittle (1886–1961)
American poet and writer known by her initials H.D. and a leading figure of the Imagist movement.

If you like Hilda…

Hildegard— shares the hild- battle root and Germanic heritage

Gertrude— same sturdy Old Germanic vintage feel

Mildred— fellow Anglo-Saxon vintage name on the revival list

Edith— shares the Old English warrior-element classic feel

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.