Jilda is an intriguing female given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word 'Hilarius', meaning 'cheerful' or 'happy'. It was introduced as a saint's name in the early Middle Ages, honoring Saint Hilary, a Bishop of Poitiers known for his courage and intellect. Over time, the name evolved into its current form, Jilda. Pronounced /ˈʒɪldə/, it consists of three syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. The name Jilda is often associated with the French actress Jilda Capriani. It offers a unique alternative to more common names while still bearing historical significance and an attractive sound.
The name Jilda experienced varying popularity over the years, with a notable peak in usage around 1950 and another rise in the late 1940s to early 1950s. The most popular year for the name was 1950, with a total of 16 births that year. However, it seems that Jilda's popularity has declined significantly in recent decades, with only a few births recorded since the 1970s. Overall, there have been a total of 293 births with the name Jilda between 1917 and 1996.