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Hilde

♀ Girl

Pronounced HIL-duh /ˈhɪl.də/Medium

Meaning: A short form of names like Hildegard and Brunhilde — from the Germanic hild, 'battle'Low

In 30 seconds: Battle: Hilde is a short form of Hildegard/Brunhilde. Crisp, classic, and warm (said 'HIL-duh').

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Origin LowGermanic

MeaningA short form of names like Hildegard and Brunhilde — from the Germanic hild, 'battle'

U.S. rank (2025)#8554 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births12 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 391

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Hilde is a short form of names like Hildegard and Brunhilde — from the Germanic hild, 'battle' (a warrior element common in old Germanic names). A crisp, classic name (said 'HIL-duh').

In the U.S. it appears in German and Scandinavian families. Rare, battle at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Hildegard and Brunhilde share the Germanic hild, 'battle' — Hilde is a crisp short form, classic and warm (said 'HIL-duh').

Overall data confidence 46%

References — Hilde — Germanic etymology

Variations

HildaHildyHildie

Nicknames

Hildy

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Hilde…

Hilda— a kin Hild- girls' name

Hildegard— a name it shortens

Adelaide— shares Hilde's Germanic roots

Hendrix— shares Hilde's Germanic roots

Adalaide— shares Hilde's Germanic roots

Explore names like Hilde

By themegermanic

By meaningWarrior

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Hilde mean?

Hilde is a short form of Hildegard/Brunhilde — Germanic 'battle'.

How do you pronounce Hilde?

It's said HIL-duh /ˈhɪl.də/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Hilde a boy or girl name?

Hilde is a girl's name.

How popular is Hilde?

Hilde is a rare name in the U.S.