Hilda is one of several female given names derived from the name Hild, formed from Old Norse hildr, meaning "battle". Hild, a Nordic-German Bellona, was a Valkyrie who conveyed fallen warriors to Valhalla. Warfare was often called Hild's Game. The name became rare in England during the later Middle Ages, but was revived in the 19th century. In Sweden it has been in use since the late 18th century, being a popular name throughout the 19th century. Hilde is a variant of Hilda. Another variation on Hild is Hildur.
