Holding steady.
Popularity of Hedwig since 1880
Babies named Hedwig per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Hedwig's real moment was 1891.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 151 |
| 1890s | 336 |
| 1900s | 295 |
| 1910s | 1,090 |
| 1920s | 808 |
| 1930s | 173 |
| 1940s | 117 |
| 1950s | 79 |
| 1960s | 28 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Hedwig is a classic German name with a long history, yet it has never been common in the United States. Its peak year was 1891, the earliest year for which U.S. data is available, indicating that its popularity was already in decline by the time records began. The trajectory has been stable since then, with no significant revival. The name's obscurity in modern times is partly due to cultural associations, including the character from the Harry Potter series, which may have introduced it to a new generation but did not spur widespread usage. Hedwig remains a distinctive choice with deep European roots.
Hedwig is a German name of debated etymology. It is commonly thought to derive from the Old High German words 'hadu' (battle) and 'wig' (war), giving a meaning along the lines of 'battle strife'. The name was borne by several medieval saints, including Saint Hedwig of Silesia (13th century), and was favored among European royalty, especially in Poland and Germany. Its use declined through the 20th century but retains recognition through cultural references.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hedy, Hedda
Variants: Hedvika, Jadwiga
Sibling names for Hedwig
Names that share Hedwig's style, for a brother or sister.
