Reinhild

Reinhild is a Germanic first name that consists of two elements. The Old High German terms ragin/regin, meaning 'counsel, decision, or divine decree', and hiltja, meaning 'battle', unite in this name. Thus, the meaning can be understood as 'counsel and battle' or more freely as 'the fighter with divine counsel'.

What does the name Reinhild mean?

The name Reinhild is composed of two Old High German words: ragin/regin, which stands for 'counsel, decision, or decree (of the gods)', and hiltja, which means 'battle'. The meaning of the name can thus be interpreted as 'counsel and battle' or more freely as 'the one who fights with divine counsel'. In the Middle Ages, the name spread due to the veneration of Saint Reinhild of Riesenbeck (also known as Reinhild of Westerkappeln) and other saints. Particularly in the mid-20th century, Reinhild was a popular first name, but it lost popularity in the following years. Variants of the name include Raginhilt, Reinelde, Reineldis, Reinhilde, Reinhilt, Reinilde, Rendel, and Renilde, as well as the Old Norse forms Ragnhild, Ragnhilde, and Ragna.

Where does the name Reinhild come from?

Reinhild is a feminine first name of Old High German origin, carrying the meaning 'counsel and battle' or 'the one who fights with divine counsel'. The etymology consists of the Old High German elements ragin/regin, which means 'counsel, decision, or decree (of the gods)', and hiltja, which means 'battle'. The language is Old German.

How do you pronounce Reinhild?

The pronunciation of Reinhild is clear and two-syllable. The name is pronounced as 'Rein-hild' [ˈʁaɪ̯nhɪlt]. The diphthong at the beginning of the name gives it a lively and tense sound quality. The syllable '-hild' ends with a distinct closure sound, which gives the name a determined note. The short 'i' in the second syllable creates a sober clarity, while the overall consonant structure radiates a certain steadfastness. Reinhild conveys a strong and matter-of-fact impression - a name with a clear form and a powerful Nordic resonance.

When is the name day of Reinhild?

The name day of Reinhild is celebrated on February 6 (Reinhild of Aldeneik), May 30 (Reinhild of Riesenbeck), and July 16 (Reineldis of Saintes).

Popularity

In Germany, Reinhild is a rather rare first name. In 2017, it ranked 3,952nd in the list of the most common female first names. The highest ranking was achieved in 2007, when it stood at 1,198th place. In the last ten years, Reinhild has been used as a first name about 20 times, placing it at 6,729th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 8,112th.

Nicknames & pet names

Hilde / Hilli / Reini / Reinii

Famous people

• Reinhild Hoffmann (dancer & choreographer)
• Reinhild Solf (actress & writer)
• Reinhild von Hardenberg (German resistance fighter)