The following interesting article on the meaning of the name Hildegarde was published in 1920.
What’s In a Name?
Hildegarde.
Hildegarde is very popular in this country though her origin is almost lost to sight in Norse mythology.
The name means “battle maid protector,” and links its bearers with the warrior maidens of the wild north.
Hildegarde’s direct predecessor was Hildur, chief among the Valkyries.
In England there was a Deiran princess Hildur who became the holy abbess of Whitby, succeeding St. Begga.
The mother of Rolf Gangr, progenitress of English royalty, who vainly besought Harald Harfagre not to banish her sons from Norway, was named Hildr.
Hildelidis is a popular Anglo-Saxon name.
Hildegarde was first bestowed upon an abbess in the Palatinate, who was noted for her sanctity and who died as late as 1004. In honor of the holy woman, Hildegard is still very popular and in common usage among German ladies.
In Denmark, the same name has been most identical, Hilduara, meaning battle prudence.
Amber is Hildegarde’s talismanic stone. It is said to protect her from danger and disease and to strengthen the health of mind and body. It is particularly lucky for singers, preserving and clarifying the voice, according to old superstition.
Friday is her lucky day and 7 her lucky number.
Source: The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.), 05 May 1920.
