Girl · 121st of 9,107
Hilda
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
81,143
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1921
Peak Popularity Year
2,137
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Hilda stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Hilda is derived from Old Norse, meaning 'battle'. It evolved through various forms, including Hildr and Hilda, and has been used since the early medieval period. The name reflects traits of strength and resilience, while having no biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 19th century and is currently perceived as a vintage name.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈhɪldə/
Origin
Old Norse
Etymology
The name Hilda comes from the Old Norse word 'hildr', which means 'battle'. It has been used since the early medieval period.
Meaning
battle
Language Evolution
Hildr (Old Norse), Hilda (Old English), Hilde (German)
Historical Usage
Hilda gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, due to its association with various saints and historical figures.
Variants & Derivatives
Hildy, Hild, Hildegarde
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Hilda is viewed as a vintage and classic name, often associated with strength and resilience.
Famous People
Hilda Abrahamson (American artist), Hilda Annersley (British author), Saint Hilda of Whitby (Anglo-Saxon abbess)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,137 peak births in 1921
Geographic Spread
Popular across 49 US states, with strongest presence in Louisiana
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 2 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3458th of 7545 | 90 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4199th of 6773 | 48 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6135th of 7552 | 15 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8639th of 10718 | 13 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 13420th of 16616 | 12 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 121st of 9107 | 37,077 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 202nd of 9204 | 16,866 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 368th of 12526 | 11,466 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 619th of 19264 | 4,330 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1024th of 27321 | 2,695 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2217th of 35406 | 1,301 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3425th of 30306 | 555 |