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Home › Baby Names Directory › Hilma

Hilma

♀ Girl

How to Pronounce Hilma

Pronounced HIL-mah /ˈhɪl.mɑ/Medium

Meaning: Hilma is a Scandinavian and Germanic short form of Wilhelmina, from elements meaning 'will' and 'helmet, protection'; borne by painter Hilma af Klint.Low

In 30 seconds: A trim Nordic classic: Hilma shortens Wilhelmina, 'will, protection' (said 'HIL-mah'). Clean and vintage.
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Origin MediumGermanic, Scandinavian
MeaningHilma is a Scandinavian and Germanic short form of Wilhelmina, from elements meaning 'will' and 'helmet, protection'; borne by painter Hilma af Klint.
U.S. rank (1971)#8778 ↘ Falling
1971 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1915
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,999

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191518801971

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

Hilma is a short form of Wilhelmina ('will; protection'). It saw its steadiest use near 1915 before fading; painter Hilma af Klint carried it notably (said 'HIL-mah').

It became rare after the early century. Sturdy, Nordic, and antique.

Did you know? Hilma was most common around 1915, when Scandinavian short forms circulated widely in immigrant communities.
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Hilma — Short form of Wilhelmina; Germanic 'will/protection'

Variations

HulmaHelmaHilma

Nicknames

HilMilly

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Hilma…

Wilhelmina— the fuller parent name
Hilda— a like Hil- vintage name
Thelma— a rhyming -ma antique name
Velma— a like -ma classic

Explore names like Hilma

By themevintagefemininescandinavianantique

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Hilma mean?

Hilma is a short form of Wilhelmina, from elements meaning 'will' and 'protection.'

How do you pronounce Hilma?

It's said HIL-mah /ˈhɪl.mɑ/ — the stress lands on the part shown in capitals.

Is Hilma a Scandinavian name?

Yes — it's a Nordic and Germanic short form of Wilhelmina.

How popular is Hilma?

Hilma was a modest early-twentieth-century pick, cresting around nineteen-fifteen, and is rare now.

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