Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Hilda

Hilda is a Germanic name, from the Old High German “hild” meaning “war, battle” (in its feminine form, with the “-a” suffix, it means “battle-maid”). Ultimately, the Proto-Germanic *hildiz (battle) comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *kel- meaning “to strike, stab, cut”. Hilda is an ancient name most closely associated with the Anglo-Saxons, Scandinavians and West Germanic peoples. It was famously borne by a 7th century saint, Hilda of Whitby (in the kingdom of Northumbria), who played an important role in England’s early conversion to Christianity. She was much admired by the Anglo-Saxon pagan kings and princes who often sought her advice. She was highly respected for her wisdom and venerated for her tireless work. It might be said she was a true “battle-maid” in the name of Christianity. St. Hilda is the patron saint of learning, culture and poetry. The name Hilda also conjures up Brunhilda, the name of a 6th/ 7th century Visigothic princess who, through marriage, became Queen of the Franks (the “brun” prefix of her name means “armor, protection"). Talk about battle-ready gals, Brunhilda’s many angry exploits earned her a couple of pop-culture imitations. One in the name of Brynhildr, a shield-maiden and Valkyrie in medieval Nordic Mythology; and, two, Broom-Hilda, the man-hungry, beer-drinking, 1,500-year-old witch from the 1970s /80s comic strip. See literary and historic references below for more information on these rather, eh-hem, colorful characters. Hilda was a common female name in the Early and High Middle Ages in England and northern Europe, but eventually it wore off by the end of the medieval period. It wouldn’t see a revival until the 19th century. Today the name is no longer popular among English speakers, but it remains a Top 100 favorite in Sweden.

All About the Baby Name – Hilda

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME HILDA

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME HILDA

Hilda arrived into the 20th century on America’s Top 100 list of baby girl names (ranked #92 in popularity in 1901). For the first few decades in the 1900s, Hilda maintained impressively high standings on the charts, even if she wasn’t super-popular. The name’s usage dropped steadily as the decades progressed into last century. By the late 1970s, this old battle-ready girl was retreating off the field more quickly. In fact, 1986 marks the last year Hilda could be found on America’s Top 1000 list. We think this has something to do with the popular, nationally-syndicated comic strip, Broom-Hilda, which didn’t exactly put this name in the most flattering of lights. In 2012, only 65 baby girls born in the U.S. were given the name Hilda. Germanic in origin, Hilda is a strong, no-nonsense name. Hilda sounds like the kind of girl you probably shouldn’t mess with. No girly-girls need apply, thankyouverymuch.

Quick Facts

ON HILDA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

HIL-dah

SIMPLE MEANING:

Battle Girl

Characteristics

OF HILDA

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Hilda

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME HILDA

Broom-Hilda is a comic-strip character created by Russell Myers in 1970, who has delighted admirers ever since. She is a quirky, abrasive, green-skinned, warty-nosed time-traveling witch who is constantly on the lookout for a suitable man. Considering the fact that she is a dishonorably discharged Marine as well as the ex-wife of Attila the Hun, this is a large order to fill – if Attila and the Marine Corps found her to be too much, certainly the every-day genus of warlock will have difficulties. Nothing stops Broom-Hilda, however, and to further her quest she has even given up drinking and cigar smoking.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME HILDA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Hilda


Popular Songs

ON HILDA

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Hilda


Famous People

NAMED HILDA

Hilda Solis (politician)
St. Hilda of Whitby (Anglo-Saxon saint)
Hilda Doolittle (poet)

Children of Famous People

NAMED HILDA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Hilda

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME HILDA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Hilda