Hilda
Hilda comes from the Germanic "hild," meaning battle or war. The root appears in many Germanic names (Brunhilde, Mathilde, Hildegarde). Saint Hilda of Whitby (614-680) was a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon abbess who hosted the Synod of Whitby in 664, where the English church decided to follow Roman rather than Celtic practices. She was one of the most influential women of early English Christianity. Hilda was a top-200 American name from 1880 to 1925, peaking at #91 in 1895. Then it declined steeply. In popular culture, Hilda is associated with the Archie Comics character Hilda Spellman (the witch aunt of Sabrina), which gave the name a comic-book association. The cartoon "Hilda" (2018-2022), based on the graphic novels by Luke Pearson, gave the name a contemporary animated charge. I find Hilda has a strong, slightly heavy sound — the "H" opening is gentle, but the "ld" cluster gives it Germanic density. The "a" ending softens it. The name has been outside the US top 1000 since 1986 and is unlikely to return soon. Hilda is a female name of Germanic origin that means "Battle, war". Strong, Germanic, and a little heavy. The name sounds serious. Hildas tend to be formidable. US peaked #91 in 1895. Outside top 1000 since 1986. Well-known people named Hilda include Saint Hilda of Whitby, Hilda Spellman (fictional, Sabrina), Hilda (animated series), Hilda (Germanic name). Common variations and related forms of Hilda include Hildr (Old Norse), Hilde (German short), Hildie (nickname), Hildred (related).