Holding steady.
Popularity of Hilma since 1880
Babies named Hilma per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Hilma's real moment was 1885.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 251 |
| 1890s | 415 |
| 1900s | 406 |
| 1910s | 743 |
| 1920s | 638 |
| 1930s | 288 |
| 1940s | 152 |
| 1950s | 86 |
| 1960s | 15 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Hilma is a name with a vintage charm, most popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United States, it first appeared in records in 1880 and reached its peak rank in 1885, when it was most frequently given. The name has remained in steady but very low usage since then, with no significant resurgence in recent decades. Its origin is debated but it is likely a German or Scandinavian diminutive of Wilhelmina. The name is uncommon today, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a classic but rare name.
Hilma is generally considered a diminutive of Wilhelmina (the feminine form of Wilhelm, meaning 'will' + 'helmet') or a variant of Helma, itself a short form of names like Wilhelmina. It emerged in the 19th century and has been used in German-speaking countries and Scandinavia. The name had modest popularity in the United States in the late 1800s, peaking in 1885.
“Hilma” around the world
Where Hilma lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Hilma
Names that share Hilma's style, for a brother or sister.
