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Hildegarde
Pronounced HIL-duh-gard /ˈhɪl.də.ɡɑːrd/Medium
Meaning: From the Germanic Hildegard, joining 'hild' ('battle') and 'gard' ('enclosure; protection') — 'battle enclosure; stronghold.' Borne by Saint Hildegard von Bingen and the mid-century singer Hildegarde.Medium
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
Hildegarde comes from the Germanic Hildegard, 'battle enclosure; stronghold.' Long tied to Saint Hildegard von Bingen and later the cabaret singer Hildegarde, it belonged to the immigrant-era generation, peaked in 1915, and faded across the century (said 'HIL-duh-gard').
Hildegarde belonged to the early-1900s generation and has grown very rare since. Rare, antique, and stately.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Hildegarde mean?
Hildegarde is a Germanic name meaning 'battle enclosure.'
How do you pronounce Hildegarde?
It's said HIL-duh-gard /ˈhɪl.də.ɡɑːrd/ — three syllables, stress on the first.
Is Hildegarde a boy or girl name?
Hildegarde is used here as a girl's name.
How popular is Hildegarde?
Hildegarde peaked in the nineteen-tens and is very rare today.