Given name & surname
Hilde
Hilde is a feminine given name. It is used in German, Dutch, and Norwegian.
Meaning & origin
Where it comes from
In German use, Hilde has a related form in Hilda. An origin associated with Hilda is Germanic.
Explained through its name family
The story
Published U.S. birth records include this spelling as early as 1916. This is the earliest published observation available here, rather than a date for the name’s origin. Hilde is a variant of Hildegard. The history of Hildegard gives this family its wider story. Hildegard’s historical associations include the second wife of Charlemagne and the mystical writer Hildegard of Bingen.
Combines direct and name-family evidence
Hilde through the years
- Babies since 1880
- 392
- 0 boys · 392 girls
- Most popular year
- 2021
- 19 babies
- 2025
- 12
- #8,554 for girls
- 2021–25 vs 2016–20
- +64%
- Rising fast
By the numbers
In 2025, this name appeared in 12 U.S. birth records for girls, ranking No. 8,554 among girls’ names. Average annual use for girls was 63.6% higher in 2021–2025 than in 2016–2020. Published U.S. population figures for this spelling include 1,179 as a first name in 2020; 599 as a surname in 2020.
From Social Security birth records and U.S. Census name counts for this exact spelling. Other spellings are counted separately.
Hilde’s family of names
In German usage, Hilde has a related form in Hilda. In Danish usage, Hilde has a conventional equivalent in the Polish form Hilda. In German usage, Hilde has a related form in Hilda.
Inner ring: spellings · outer: nicknames and forms.
Around the world
Hilde has relatives in 4 languages.
2 related names in 4 languages. Point at a dot, or tab to the map and use the arrow keys.
Nicknames & forms 3
Diminutives, pet forms, short forms and variants used alongside the name.
Spellings & scripts 1
The same name written differently, including transliterations into other scripts.
People named Hilde
- Hilde HolgerAustrian British dancer and choreographer (1905-2001)
- Hilde DominGerman writer (1909–2006)
- Hilde GergGerman alpine skierborn 1975
- Hilde Schraderswimmer (1910–1966)
- Hilde MangoldGerman biologist (1898–1924)
- Hilde Krahwinkel SperlingGerman-Danish tennis player1908–1981
- Hilde ZimmermannAustrian resistance member (1920-2002)
- Hilde Gjermundshaug Pedersencross-country skier from Norwayborn 1964
- Hilde LeviGerman physicist (1909–2003)
Listed by how widely each person is written about, which says nothing about the name itself.
Similar names
If you love Hilde, these share its style, era, origin or sound, from outside its own family.
Hallie
“from the hall” · “woman of the sea”
>99% girls
Halo
“having a blessed aura”
20% boys · 80% girls
Harlow
“an impetuous woman” · “from the army on the hill”
9% boys · 91% girls
Holland
“from the Netherlands”
18% boys · 82% girls
Saige
“wise one; type of spice”
8% boys · 92% girls
Harley
“from the meadow of the hares”
20% boys · 80% girls
Elle
“shining light” · “the shining light”
>99% girls
Esme
“one who is esteemed”
>99% girls