Hildegard is a unique and distinctively German feminine given name with a rich history and significant meaning.
Derived from the Old German elements "hild" meaning "battle" or "war," and "gard" meaning "strong," Hildegard translates to "strength in battle." This powerful and warrior-like connotation reflects the robust nature of this name, which was often bestowed upon daughters in medieval Germany with the hope that they would grow into strong and resilient women capable of weathering life's storms.
The name Hildegard is also associated with several notable historical figures. One of the most famous is Saint Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), a German Benedictine abbess, author, and polymath whose exceptional contributions to fields such as music, philosophy, medicine, and mysticism have solidified her place in history. Her remarkable accomplishments serve as an enduring testament to the strength and intellect encapsulated within the name Hildegard.
Today, despite its historical roots, the name Hildegard remains relatively rare outside of Germany but continues to be admired for its unique sound and powerful meaning. Those who bear this name often stand out due to their distinctiveness, much like the historic figures that have carried it throughout the centuries.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Hildegard has seen a varied trend in its usage as a baby girl's name in the United States over the years.
The peak period for the name appears to be around the early 1900s, with the highest number of births recorded in 1915 (81 births). This suggests that there was a significant popularity of the name during this time. However, it is important to note that these statistics do not account for the total population size at the time, which would affect the overall prevalence of the name.
Following its peak, the usage of the name Hildegard declined significantly in the mid-20th century and remained relatively low throughout most of the latter half of the century. However, there has been a slight resurgence in recent years, with 22 births recorded in 2022 and 19 births in 2023.
Overall, while Hildegard may not have been one of the most popular names throughout history, its usage has fluctuated over time, indicating that it has maintained a consistent, albeit small, presence among baby girls' names in the United States.