Hilda, derived from the Germanic elements "hild" meaning battle and "wulf" meaning wolf, was a popular name during the Middle Ages, particularly among the Germanic tribes who migrated to Britain after the Roman withdrawal. It is believed that the name was brought to England by these settlers and became quite common in Anglo-Saxon times.
The name Hilda appears in various forms throughout history and literature. One of the most notable figures bearing this name is St. Hilda of Whitby, a 7th-century saint who founded the monastery at Whitby in Yorkshire, England. She was known for her learning, wisdom, and holiness, and her life has inspired many works of art and literature.
In modern times, Hilda has been used less frequently as a given name, but it remains associated with certain historical figures and cultural references. For instance, in the popular children's book series "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, the character Aunt Sally is often referred to as "Aunt Hilda."
Overall, while not as commonly used today, the name Hilda carries a rich history and association with strong, influential women throughout time.
"The name Hilda saw a significant boom during the early 20th century, with a high of 11 births in 1926. However, it fell out of favor by mid-century, with only 5 births recorded between 1948 and 1957. There was another brief resurgence in the late 1970s to early 1980s, but overall, Hilda has been a relatively uncommon name in recent decades."