Nilda

♀ Girl

Pronounced NEEL-dah /ˈniːl.dɑ/Medium

Meaning: Nilda is usually explained as a short form of Germanic names ending in -hilda ('battle'), such as Brunhilda or Hermenilda, and it became a warm staple in Spanish-speaking families.Low

In 30 seconds: A tidy heritage name: Nilda trims a longer -hilda name meaning 'battle' (said 'NEEL-dah'). Warm, Latin-loved, and vintage.

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Origin LowSpanish, Germanic

MeaningNilda is usually explained as a short form of Germanic names ending in -hilda ('battle'), such as Brunhilda or Hermenilda, and it became a warm staple in Spanish-speaking families.

U.S. rank (2016)#15705 ↗ Rising

2016 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1957

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,244

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

Nilda is generally read as a short form of Germanic -hilda names ('battle'), such as Brunhilda or Hermenilda, and it took root in Spanish usage. It peaked in the U.S. around 1957 (said 'NEEL-dah').

Its use tapered after the 1960s and it is uncommon now. Soft, heritage-rich, and dated.

Did you know? Nilda was most common around 1957, especially among Hispanic American families, as a short, melodic clip of a longer -hilda name.

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Nilda — Short form of Brunhilda/Hermenilda; Germanic 'battle'

Variations

HildaNeldaNydia

Nicknames

NilNena

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Nilda…

Hilda— the -hilda root it clips

Imelda— a like Spanish -elda name

Gilda— a like vintage -ilda name

Aada— another vintage pick

Alda— shares Nilda's Germanic roots

Explore names like Nilda

By themeheritage spanish vintage feminine

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Nilda mean?

Nilda is usually a short form of a Germanic -hilda name, meaning 'battle.'

How do you pronounce Nilda?

It's said NEEL-dah /ˈniːl.dɑ/ — the stress lands on the part shown in capitals.

Is Nilda a Spanish name?

It has Germanic roots but became most familiar in Spanish-speaking families.

How popular is Nilda?

Nilda saw its steadiest use in the mid-twentieth century, cresting in the late nineteen-fifties, and is uncommon today.