Hilde is a unique and captivating feminine name of German origin. Derived from the Germanic word "hild," which means battle or struggle, Hilde carries a strong and powerful connotation. It was often used in combination with other names to create compound names such as Hilda, which became more popular than Hilde itself.
The name Hilde first appeared in the early Middle Ages, during the period of Norse mythology and legend. In these stories, Hilde is often depicted as a Valkyrie, a female warrior who chose the slain on the battlefield. This further emphasizes the strength and power associated with this name.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Hilde or Hilda. One of the most famous is Saint Hilda of Whitby, an Anglo-Saxon abbess and saint from the 7th century. She was known for her wisdom, leadership, and miracles attributed to her intercession, further associating the name with strength and grace.
Despite its rich history and powerful meaning, Hilde remains a relatively rare name today. This uniqueness makes it an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughter that carries a strong and meaningful heritage. In summary, the name Hilde is of German origin, means battle or struggle, and has a rich historical background, making it a captivating and powerful feminine name option.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Hilde has had a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States. The highest number of births recorded was in 2021 with 19 babies named Hilde, marking an all-time high for this name in recent times.
The decade between 1954 and 1963 saw a consistent increase in the number of babies named Hilde, peaking at 10 births in 1961. However, after this peak, the popularity of the name began to decline, reaching as low as five births per year from 1976 until 2005.
There was a resurgence in the use of the name Hilde starting from 2005 with six births that year, followed by another peak in recent years. In fact, since 2013, the number of babies named Hilde has been consistently above nine each year, indicating an increasing trend in its popularity once again.
Overall, despite some fluctuations and periods of decreased popularity, the name Hilde has maintained a consistent presence among baby names in the United States over the past century. With 364 total births recorded since 1916, it is evident that this name continues to be chosen by parents for their newborn daughters.