Mildred is a name of English origin, derived from the Old English elements "mīþ" meaning "gentle" or "soft," and "hryð" meaning "strength." Therefore, the name Mildred can be interpreted to mean "gentle strength."
The name Mildred has been used throughout history, with some notable figures bearing this name. One of the most famous Mildreds is Saint Mildred, a 7th-century saint from England who was the daughter of King Æthelberht II of Kent. She became a nun and eventually founded the abbey at Thanet in Kent.
Another notable figure named Mildred is Mildred Hill, an American composer best known for co-writing the song "America the Beautiful" with her sister, Katherine Lee Bates. The name has also been used by several other individuals throughout history, including Mildred J. Loomis, a physicist and science educator who played a significant role in the development of the atomic bomb.
Today, Mildred remains a popular choice for parents seeking a vintage or unique name for their daughters. While it may not be as commonly used as some other names, Mildred continues to be beloved by those who carry this distinctive moniker.
The name Mildred experienced significant popularity and fluctuations over time, with a notable rise from the late 19th to early 20th century. In its peak year of 1920, there were 18060 births named Mildred, marking a substantial increase from just 132 births in 1880. However, popularity declined sharply thereafter, reaching only 77 births in 2019 and 96 births in 2020. In total, there were 451221 births named Mildred between 1880 and 2023.