Hilde

Hilde is an independent female first name that is often also used as a short form for names beginning with 'Hild-' or ending with '-hild', such as Hildegard, Brunhilde, or Mathilde. The direct meaning of the name is 'the fighter' or 'the warrior'.

What does the name Hilde mean?

Hilde is an independent female first name that also serves as a short form for various names starting with 'Hild-' or ending with '-hild', including Hildegard, Brunhilde, and Mathilde. The name is directly translated as 'the fighter' or 'the warrior'. Its roots lie in Old High German, where the element hiltja means 'the fight' or 'the warrior'. Hilde also appears in the Gudrun saga, where she is the mother of Gudrun and the wife of King Hetel of Hegelingen. An alternative spelling is Hilda. The name is also used as a surname. Saint Hildegard of Bingen, who lived in the 11th and 12th centuries, is considered the patroness of the name and contributed to its spread in the Middle Ages. Notable bearers of the name include German skier Hilde Gerg and poet Hilde Domin.

Where does the name Hilde come from?

The first name Hilde has its roots in Old High German and means 'the fighter'. The Old High German word hiltja stands for 'the fight' or 'the warrior'. The name is common in various languages, including German, Dutch, and Norwegian.

How do you pronounce Hilde?

The name Hilde is compact and two syllables. In German pronunciation, it is typically pronounced as 'Hil-de' [ˈhɪldə]. The connection of the consonants in the word's center provides a stable sound, while the gentle fading on '-de' creates a harmonious balance. Hilde conveys an impression of tradition and objectivity – calm, clear, and present.

When is the name day of Hilde?

The name day of Hilde is celebrated on September 17.

Popularity

The first name Hilde was regularly given in Germany as early as the late 19th century and initially ranked predominantly in the extended top field. Over time, its popularity increased, making Hilde one of the most commonly given names in the early 20th century. The historical peak was reached with rank 8, making Hilde one of the most sought-after first names in Germany. However, after that, popularity noticeably declined. While the name was popular in the early years of the 20th century.

Nicknames & pet names

EsHilde / HiHi / Hil / Hila / Hilal / Hilchen / Hild / Hildchen / Hildegard / Hildi / Hildilein / Hile / Hili / Hille / Hilli / Hilly / Hilsi / SHilde / Wildbrett / WildeHilde / Wilderer / Wildhild

Similar first names

Famous people

• Hilde (character) (film about actress and singer Hildegard Knef)
• Hilde Benjamin (1902–1989), former Minister of Justice of East Germany
• Hilde Coppi (resistance fighter in National Socialism, executed on 05.08.1943)
• Hilde Dalik (Austrian actress)
• Hilde de Ridder-Symoens (Belgian historian)
• Hilde Domin (German writer)
• Hilde Firtel (Austrian writer)
• Hilde Gerg (German alpine skier)
• Hilde Gjermundshaug Pedersen (skier from Norway)
• Hilde Gröber (German table tennis player)
• Hilde Güden (1917–1988), Austrian singer
• Hilde Hagerup (writer from Norway)
• Hilde Heger (artist from Austria)
• Hilde Henriksen Waage (South African historian)
• Hilde Holger (Austrian dancer)
• Hilde Holovsky (figure skater from Austria)
• Hilde Kähler-Timm (writer from Germany)
• Hilde Konetzni (Austrian singer)
• Hilde Krahl (1917–1999), Austrian actress
• Hilde Kraska (German table tennis player)