Hilda Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Hilda is derived from Old Norse, meaning 'battle'. It evolved through various forms, including Hildr and Hilda, and has been used since the early medieval period. The name reflects traits of strength and resilience, while having no biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 19th century and is currently perceived as a vintage name.
The name Hilda is most popular in Louisiana, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Hilda has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Hilda' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3458th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4199th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6135th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8639th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 13420th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 121st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 202nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 368th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 619th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1024th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2217th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3425th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Hilda' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Hilda"
Pronunciation
/ˈhɪldə/
Origin
Old Norse
Etymology
The name Hilda comes from the Old Norse word 'hildr', which means 'battle'. It has been used since the early medieval period.
Meaning
battle
Language Evolution
Hildr (Old Norse), Hilda (Old English), Hilde (German)
Historical Usage
Hilda gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, due to its association with various saints and historical figures.
Variants & Derivatives
Hildy, Hild, Hildegarde
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Hilda is viewed as a vintage and classic name, often associated with strength and resilience.
Famous People
Hilda Abrahamson (American artist), Hilda Annersley (British author), Saint Hilda of Whitby (Anglo-Saxon abbess)
Explore More Hilda Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Hilda"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Hilda"
"Hilda" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3458th of 7545 | 90 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4199th of 6773 | 48 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6135th of 7552 | 15 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8639th of 10718 | 13 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 13420th of 16616 | 12 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 121st of 9107 | 37,077 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 202nd of 9204 | 16,866 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 368th of 12526 | 11,466 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 619th of 19264 | 4,330 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1024th of 27321 | 2,695 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2217th of 35406 | 1,301 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3425th of 30306 | 555 |
Regional Popularity of "Hilda" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Hilda" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
9.25% 131st/1416 |
7.47% 103rd/1379 |
5.71% 135th/2366 |
15.32% 175th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
18.43% 285th/1546 |
12.60% 196th/1556 |
6.63% 156th/2353 |
21.78% 337th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
27.44% 611th/2227 |
18.19% 442nd/2430 |
8.90% 254th/2853 |
17.62% 489th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
34.01% 999th/2937 |
18.29% 637th/3483 |
16.15% 568th/3518 |
11.99% 485th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
41.63% 1534th/3685 |
28.67% 1283rd/4475 |
18.54% 963rd/5194 |
10.53% 665th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
72.61% 3327th/4582 |
52.03% 2687th/5164 |
27.03% 1977th/7313 |
20.64% 1540th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
87.74% 3937th/4487 |
43.52% 2969th/6822 |
42.18% 2647th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Hilda"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Hilda" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.