Hilde Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: HIL-de /ˈhɪldə/
Origin: German; Scandinavian
Meaning: German: battle maiden; Scandinavian: protector in battle
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Hilde has its roots in the Germanic languages, deriving from the Old High German word "hiltja," which translates to "battle" or "war." This etymological origin reflects a common theme in Germanic names, where elements associated with strength and conflict were often favored. The name evolved through various forms, including the Old Norse "Hildr," which also means "battle," and was used in several Germanic cultures.
The transition into English occurred through the influence of Old Norse and the subsequent Norman Conquest, which introduced many Germanic names into the English lexicon, albeit often in altered forms. Historically, the name Hilde has been associated with notable figures in medieval literature and history.
One of the most significant references is found in the Old Norse sagas, where Hildr appears as a Valkyrie, a figure who chooses those who may die and those who may live in battles. This connection to warrior culture and mythology underscores the name's enduring appeal in various Germanic-speaking regions.
Additionally, the name has been borne by several saints, particularly in the context of early Christian history, where names reflecting martial virtues were often adopted by those seeking to convey strength and valor in faith. Culturally, Hilde resonates with themes of courage and resilience, often symbolizing the spirit of a warrior.
The name has been preserved in various forms across different cultures, with diminutive forms such as Hilda emerging in later centuries. This adaptability has allowed the name to maintain its relevance throughout history, as it embodies qualities that have been celebrated in folklore and literature.
The name's historical significance is further enriched by its connections to the broader narrative of Germanic heritage and the valorization of battle in early medieval society.
Fictional characters named Hilde
The following list of fictional characters named Hilde 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.
Hilde is a fictional character from the video game series Fire Emblem. She is a prominent character in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, known for her leadership and strategic skills.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Hilde, 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 Hilde. 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 Hilde was first seen in the United States in 1916.
Hilde has ranked as high as #10560 nationally, which occurred in 2021, and has been most popular in New York.
In the past 5 years the name Hilde has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Hilde 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 Hilde 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 Hilde.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 12 |
| 2024 | 14 | 14 |
| 2023 | 12 | 12 |
| 2022 | 15 | 15 |
| 2021 | 19 | 19 |
| 2020 | 11 | 11 |
| 2019 | 9 | 9 |
| 2018 | 6 | 6 |
| 2017 | 9 | 9 |
| 2016 | 9 | 9 |
| 2015 | 10 | 10 |
| 2014 | 9 | 9 |
| 2013 | 7 | 7 |
| 2011 | 5 | 5 |
| 2008 | 5 | 5 |
| 2007 | 5 | 5 |
| 2006 | 6 | 6 |
| 2005 | 6 | 6 |
| 1979 | 5 | 5 |
| 1976 | 5 | 5 |
| 1971 | 6 | 6 |
| 1969 | 10 | 10 |
| 1967 | 6 | 6 |
| 1966 | 6 | 6 |
| 1965 | 5 | 5 |
| 1963 | 8 | 8 |
| 1962 | 6 | 6 |
| 1961 | 10 | 10 |
| 1960 | 6 | 6 |
| 1958 | 7 | 7 |
| 1957 | 8 | 8 |
| 1956 | 9 | 9 |
| 1955 | 9 | 9 |
| 1954 | 9 | 9 |
| 1953 | 7 | 7 |
| 1951 | 6 | 6 |
| 1945 | 5 | 5 |
| 1944 | 7 | 7 |
| 1940 | 6 | 6 |
| 1935 | 5 | 5 |
| 1932 | 6 | 6 |
| 1931 | 6 | 6 |
| 1930 | 9 | 9 |
| 1929 | 10 | 10 |
| 1928 | 9 | 9 |
| 1927 | 5 | 5 |
| 1926 | 6 | 6 |
| 1922 | 6 | 6 |
| 1921 | 5 | 5 |
| 1919 | 5 | 5 |
| 1916 | 5 | 5 |
Top States for Hilde (1930)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 5 |