Ingrid is a feminine given name of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse elements "ing" meaning "girl" or "maiden," and "fríðr" meaning "beautiful." Thus, Ingrid can be translated as "beautiful girl" or "fair maid."
The name gained popularity during the Viking Age due to its widespread use among Scandinavian peoples. However, it was not until the 19th century that Ingrid became widely known outside of Scandinavia. This was largely thanks to the works of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, who used the name in his play "The Vikings at Helgeland."
Ingrid has since been adopted by many cultures around the world and is now considered a universal name. Despite its Scandinavian origins, it does not have any specific regional variations or spellings.
Some notable people with the name Ingrid include German-born American actress Ingrid Bergman, Swedish explorer and author Ingrid Betancourt, and Australian musician Ingridavia. These individuals have helped to further popularize and perpetuate the name Ingrid in various fields of endeavor.
The name Ingrid has been popular in the United States for over a century, with fluctuations in its usage over time. In the early 20th century, there was an average of about 6 births per year with this name between 1897 and 1906. However, it started gaining popularity around 1910, with an increase to 15 births that year.
This trend continued throughout the 1910s, reaching a peak of 43 births in 1917. The following decade saw a decline, but it remained relatively stable, with an average of about 28 births per year between 1920 and 1930. The name Ingrid experienced another period of growth during the late 1930s to early 1940s, with a significant increase from 64 births in 1940 to 177 births in 1943.
The post-World War II era brought substantial popularity for the name Ingrid. In 1946, there were 290 births, and this number continued to rise throughout the 1950s, reaching an all-time high of 534 births in 1964. This popularity persisted through the late 1960s and early 1970s, with Ingrid being given to around 500 babies annually.
However, from the mid-1970s onwards, the usage of the name Ingrid started declining steadily. By the end of the decade, there were fewer than 300 births per year on average. This downward trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with fewer than 250 births annually by the mid-1990s.
In recent years, Ingrid has seen a modest resurgence in popularity. Between 2001 and 2023, there were an average of about 275 births per year with this name. Although it is not as popular as it was during its peak in the mid-20th century, Ingrid remains a classic and timeless choice for parents.
In conclusion, throughout history, the name Ingrid has experienced periods of popularity and decline in the United States. Its overall usage has fluctuated significantly over time, with notable peaks in the early 1940s and late 1960s to early 1970s. Despite recent fluctuations, Ingrid continues to be a beloved and recognizable name choice for American parents.