Hilda Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: HIL-duh //ˈhɪl.də//
Origin: German; Scandinavian
Meaning: German: battle maiden; Scandinavian: fighter
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Hilda has its roots in Old Norse, derived from the word "hildr," which means "battle." This etymology reflects a common theme in Germanic names, where elements related to war and conflict were often valorized. The name made its way into English through the influence of the Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon cultures during the early medieval period, particularly following the Viking Age, which saw significant Norse settlement in England from the 8th to the 11th centuries.
The transition into English was facilitated by the integration of Norse and Anglo-Saxon languages, leading to the adoption of Hilda as a given name in various forms across different regions. Historically, Hilda is notably associated with Saint Hilda of Whitby, a prominent figure in early Christianity in England during the 7th century.
She was the founding abbess of the monastery at Whitby and played a crucial role in the Synod of Whitby in 664, which addressed the calculation of Easter and the alignment of the English church with Roman practices. Her influence in religious and educational reform during this period contributed to the name's enduring legacy in Christian contexts.
Additionally, the name appears in various historical texts and records throughout the Middle Ages, further solidifying its presence in English-speaking regions. Culturally, Hilda has been associated with strength and resilience, reflecting its martial origins.
The name has often been used in literature and folklore, symbolizing a strong female character or leader. Variants of the name, such as Hildred or Hildagard, also emerged, showcasing the adaptability of the root name across different cultures and languages.
The name's historical significance and associations with notable figures have contributed to its lasting resonance in various cultural narratives.
Famous people named Hilda
In this section, you will find notable people named Hilda. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Hilda who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Hilda who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Hilda Abraham is a painter best known for her abstract works and exhibitions in Europe.
Hilda Annersley is a writer best known for her novels and contributions to contemporary literature.
Hilda Borko is a musician best known for her performances in classical music festivals.
Hilda Doolittle is a poet best known for her contributions to the Imagist movement and works like Sea Garden.
Hilda Gorenstein is a scientist best known for her research in molecular biology and genetics.
Hilda Hirst is a filmmaker best known for her documentaries and independent films.
Hilda M. R. is a photographer best known for her portraits and fashion photography.
Hilda M. W. is a sculptor best known for her public art installations and exhibitions.
Hilda M. Z. is a dancer best known for her performances in contemporary dance troupes.
Hilda O. is a chef best known for her culinary innovations and popular cookbooks.
Fictional characters named Hilda
The following list of fictional characters named Hilda is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Hilda is a fictional character from the comic series Hilda. She is a brave and adventurous girl who explores a magical world filled with strange creatures and mysteries.
Hilda is a fictional character from the animated series Hilda. She is a fearless young girl who embarks on adventures in a fantastical wilderness, making friends with various magical beings.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Hilda, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Hilda. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Hilda was first seen in the United States in 1880.
Hilda has ranked as high as #210 nationally, which occurred in 1921, and has been most popular in New York, Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and California.
In the past 5 years the name Hilda has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Hilda is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Hilda was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Hilda.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 55 | 0 | 55 |
| 2024 | 54 | 0 | 54 |
| 2023 | 56 | 0 | 56 |
| 2022 | 60 | 0 | 60 |
| 2021 | 46 | 0 | 46 |
| 2020 | 45 | 0 | 45 |
| 2019 | 48 | 0 | 48 |
| 2018 | 45 | 0 | 45 |
| 2017 | 36 | 0 | 36 |
| 2016 | 40 | 0 | 40 |
| 2015 | 49 | 0 | 49 |
| 2014 | 44 | 0 | 44 |
| 2013 | 33 | 0 | 33 |
| 2012 | 65 | 0 | 65 |
| 2011 | 41 | 0 | 41 |
| 2010 | 47 | 0 | 47 |
| 2009 | 75 | 0 | 75 |
| 2008 | 62 | 0 | 62 |
| 2007 | 61 | 0 | 61 |
| 2006 | 90 | 0 | 90 |
| 2005 | 75 | 0 | 75 |
| 2004 | 88 | 0 | 88 |
| 2003 | 86 | 0 | 86 |
| 2002 | 120 | 0 | 120 |
| 2001 | 88 | 0 | 88 |
| 2000 | 82 | 0 | 82 |
| 1999 | 106 | 0 | 106 |
| 1998 | 103 | 0 | 103 |
| 1997 | 112 | 0 | 112 |
| 1996 | 124 | 0 | 124 |
| 1995 | 138 | 0 | 138 |
| 1994 | 148 | 0 | 148 |
| 1993 | 152 | 0 | 152 |
| 1992 | 158 | 0 | 158 |
| 1991 | 163 | 0 | 163 |
| 1990 | 158 | 0 | 158 |
| 1989 | 172 | 0 | 172 |
| 1988 | 139 | 0 | 139 |
| 1987 | 146 | 0 | 146 |
| 1986 | 170 | 0 | 170 |
| 1985 | 183 | 0 | 183 |
| 1984 | 188 | 0 | 188 |
| 1983 | 201 | 6 | 195 |
| 1982 | 225 | 6 | 219 |
| 1981 | 242 | 0 | 242 |
| 1980 | 261 | 8 | 253 |
| 1979 | 221 | 0 | 221 |
| 1978 | 242 | 5 | 237 |
| 1977 | 197 | 0 | 197 |
| 1976 | 279 | 0 | 279 |
| 1975 | 249 | 0 | 249 |
| 1974 | 304 | 0 | 304 |
| 1973 | 236 | 0 | 236 |
| 1972 | 284 | 0 | 284 |
| 1971 | 277 | 0 | 277 |
| 1970 | 298 | 0 | 298 |
| 1969 | 285 | 0 | 285 |
| 1968 | 250 | 0 | 250 |
| 1967 | 292 | 0 | 292 |
| 1966 | 291 | 0 | 291 |
| 1965 | 377 | 0 | 377 |
| 1964 | 411 | 0 | 411 |
| 1963 | 380 | 0 | 380 |
| 1962 | 428 | 0 | 428 |
| 1961 | 424 | 0 | 424 |
| 1960 | 458 | 0 | 458 |
| 1959 | 466 | 0 | 466 |
| 1958 | 524 | 0 | 524 |
| 1957 | 592 | 5 | 587 |
| 1956 | 626 | 0 | 626 |
| 1955 | 660 | 0 | 660 |
| 1954 | 658 | 0 | 658 |
| 1953 | 727 | 0 | 727 |
| 1952 | 670 | 5 | 665 |
| 1951 | 708 | 0 | 708 |
| 1950 | 682 | 0 | 682 |
| 1949 | 704 | 0 | 704 |
| 1948 | 803 | 5 | 798 |
| 1947 | 843 | 0 | 843 |
| 1946 | 718 | 0 | 718 |
| 1945 | 680 | 0 | 680 |
| 1944 | 745 | 0 | 745 |
| 1943 | 703 | 0 | 703 |
| 1942 | 784 | 0 | 784 |
| 1941 | 795 | 0 | 795 |
| 1940 | 797 | 0 | 797 |
| 1939 | 762 | 0 | 762 |
| 1938 | 857 | 7 | 850 |
| 1937 | 761 | 0 | 761 |
| 1936 | 828 | 6 | 822 |
| 1935 | 867 | 0 | 867 |
| 1934 | 934 | 5 | 929 |
| 1933 | 966 | 9 | 957 |
| 1932 | 1,110 | 5 | 1,105 |
| 1931 | 1,098 | 0 | 1,098 |
| 1930 | 1,309 | 6 | 1,303 |
| 1929 | 1,344 | 10 | 1,334 |
| 1928 | 1,574 | 0 | 1,574 |
| 1927 | 1,677 | 8 | 1,669 |
| 1926 | 1,858 | 11 | 1,847 |
| 1925 | 1,824 | 0 | 1,824 |
| 1924 | 1,950 | 9 | 1,941 |
| 1923 | 1,862 | 0 | 1,862 |
| 1922 | 1,967 | 5 | 1,962 |
| 1921 | 2,137 | 9 | 2,128 |
| 1920 | 2,058 | 8 | 2,050 |
| 1919 | 1,917 | 0 | 1,917 |
| 1918 | 2,125 | 7 | 2,118 |
| 1917 | 2,011 | 5 | 2,006 |
| 1916 | 2,083 | 8 | 2,075 |
| 1915 | 1,891 | 0 | 1,891 |
| 1914 | 1,533 | 8 | 1,525 |
| 1913 | 1,280 | 5 | 1,275 |
| 1912 | 1,158 | 0 | 1,158 |
| 1911 | 916 | 0 | 916 |
| 1910 | 793 | 0 | 793 |
| 1909 | 780 | 7 | 773 |
| 1908 | 735 | 0 | 735 |
| 1907 | 702 | 0 | 702 |
| 1906 | 705 | 0 | 705 |
| 1905 | 655 | 0 | 655 |
| 1904 | 629 | 0 | 629 |
| 1903 | 698 | 0 | 698 |
| 1902 | 649 | 0 | 649 |
| 1901 | 574 | 0 | 574 |
| 1900 | 663 | 0 | 663 |
| 1899 | 621 | 0 | 621 |
| 1898 | 610 | 0 | 610 |
| 1897 | 561 | 0 | 561 |
| 1896 | 549 | 0 | 549 |
| 1895 | 513 | 0 | 513 |
| 1894 | 470 | 0 | 470 |
| 1893 | 410 | 0 | 410 |
| 1892 | 370 | 0 | 370 |
| 1891 | 324 | 0 | 324 |
| 1890 | 304 | 0 | 304 |
| 1889 | 251 | 0 | 251 |
| 1888 | 219 | 0 | 219 |
| 1887 | 156 | 0 | 156 |
| 1886 | 143 | 0 | 143 |
| 1885 | 121 | 0 | 121 |
| 1884 | 125 | 0 | 125 |
| 1883 | 99 | 0 | 99 |
| 1882 | 58 | 0 | 58 |
| 1881 | 48 | 0 | 48 |
| 1880 | 60 | 0 | 60 |
Top States for Hilda (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 7 | |
| TX | 6 | |
| NY | 5 |