Hildegarde is a historic female given name, of Germanic origin, derived from the elements "hild" meaning battle or struggle, and "gard" meaning enclosure or garden. It was popular during the Middle Ages, particularly among royalty and nobility in Germany and France. The name's earliest notable bearer is Saint Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th-century Benedictine abbess, visionary, and polymath known for her contributions to fields including theology, philosophy, music, and natural history. Today, Hildegarde remains an uncommon but distinctive name choice, often favored by those seeking a unique and historically significant option for a daughter.
"The name Hildegarde experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time, with a peak of 124 births in 1915 and a notable decline to as few as 5 births in some years post-1950."