Gender: Feminine
Origin: German/Old Norse
Meaning: “battle enclosure.”
(HIL-deh-GARD)

The name is derived from the ancient Germanic elements hild meaning “battle” and gard meaning “enclosure; garden; farm.” The name is borne by several important female personages in Medieval European history. It was borne by Hildegard, wife of Emperor Charlemagne, (758-783). It is also borne by the famous German mystic Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179). Hildegard of Bingen also known as St. Hildegard and Blessed Hildegard was a fascinating woman, not only was she known for her impressive visions from heaven, but she was a prolific songwriter, poet and play-write. She is even credited with inventing the earliest known constructed language known as Lingua Ignota. In the modern world, it is borne by German opera singer Hildegard Behrens (1937-2009).

Poor Hildegard doesn’t get much love these days, she is considered dated in places like Germany and Sweden, where the name used to be quite prevalent at the turn of the century. I don’t believe you will ever see an English speaking parent consider this for their daughter. However, with the revival of Mathilde and Matilda, it is entirely possible. A more melodic alternative is the Finnish form Hillevi (HIL-leh-VEE). There is also Hellevi and Hilla. Estonian  forms are Hille, Hilli, Ille and Illi. It’s French form is Hildegard (EEL-deu-GAHR). Nicknames include Hilde, Hilda, Hildi and Hilly. Its name-day is September 17.