Brunhilda, of Germanic origin, is a unique and historic name derived from two elements: 'brun' meaning brown, and 'hiltja' signifying battle. It was popularized by the legend of the warrior woman Brunhild in German heroic poetry, notably in the epic "Nibelungenlied". In Old Norse sources, she appears as the valkyrie who chose the slain on the battlefield. The name gained further recognition through Richard Wagner's opera cycle "Der Ring des Nibelungen", where Brunhilde is a central character. Today, Brunhilda remains a distinctive and powerful moniker, carrying echoes of its heroic past.
"The name Brunhilda experienced a peak of popularity in the mid-20th century with six births each in 1952 and 1954, totaling twenty-two births across the given years."