Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Mildred
GirlOld English· “gentle strength”
- Meaning
- gentle strength
- Origin
- Old English
- Pronunciation
- MIHL-drihd
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,973
- US babies 2025
- 98
- Best rank
- #6 (1912)
- Peak year
- 1920
Meaning and origin of Mildred
Mildred is an Old English name that means “gentle strength”.
Mildred is the modern form of the Old English Mildþryð, combining milde, meaning gentle, and þryð, meaning strength. It was borne by Saint Mildred, an Anglo-Saxon abbess of Minster-in-Thanet in Kent, whose cult remained strong in medieval England. The name was revived in the nineteenth century and became very popular in the US in the early twentieth century, which gives it a strong vintage image today. It is pronounced MIHL-drihd. Millie is the classic nickname, and it has helped bring the name back into consideration among parents who like old English names.
Popularity over time
Mildred has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 104 different years. Its best national rank was #6 in 1912, and the most babies received it in 1920, when 18,060 were named Mildred. In 2025, 98 babies were named Mildred, and it ranked #1,973 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #6 in 1920, #135 in 1950, #944 in 1980, #2,046 in 2000, #2,632 in 2010, and #1,973 in 2025. Of the 451,415 US girls named Mildred since records began, 33% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 123,998 babies. Since 2010, 1,384 more have been named Mildred.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Evelyn, Marie, Alice, Marjorie, and Irene.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Mildred ranked highest in Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | #1010 | 9 |
| Virginia | #1315 | 5 |
| Pennsylvania | #1339 | 6 |
| North Carolina | #1389 | 6 |
| Georgia | #1493 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Mildred is usually pronounced MIHL-drihd, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with M and ends in “-ed”.
Middle names for Mildred
A few middle names that flow with Mildred: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Mildred
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Lists that include Mildred
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mildred mean?
Mildred is an Old English name that means “gentle strength”.
What is the origin of the name Mildred?
Mildred has Old English roots. Mildred is the modern form of the Old English Mildþryð, combining milde, meaning gentle, and þryð, meaning strength.
Is Mildred a popular name?
Not especially. Mildred ranked #1,973 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Mildred a boy or girl name?
Mildred is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Mildred?
Mildred is usually pronounced MIHL-drihd. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings