Hilda is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old Norse name Hildr. This name is composed of two elements: "hildr," which means battle or combat, and "-laug," a suffix that refers to a lairge or large body of water. Therefore, the name Hilda can be interpreted as meaning "battle by the lake" or "war-like lady."
The name Hilda was popular among early medieval Germanic tribes and was used by several notable figures throughout history. One such figure is Saint Hilda of Whitby, who lived in the 7th century and was a abbess at the monastery of Whitby Abbey. She was known for her intelligence, wisdom, and holiness, and her influence extended beyond her monastery to the wider Anglo-Saxon world.
In literature, Hilda has been used as a character name in several works, including the novel "Hild" by Nicola Griffith, which tells the story of a young woman named Hild who grows up to become a powerful queen. The name has also appeared in various forms of media, such as the animated series "Adventure Time," where it is used as the name of one of the main characters.
Today, Hilda remains a unique and distinctive name that carries with it a sense of history and strength. While its popularity has varied over time, it continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its meaning and heritage.
The name Hilda saw a significant rise in popularity during the late 19th to early 20th centuries, with its peak occurring between 1912 and 1921, reaching as high as 2128 births in 1921. However, after the 1920s, there was a gradual decline in the usage of the name Hilda, culminating in fewer than 50 births per year from 2007 onwards.