Astrid is a feminine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old Norse elements ástr "god" and vár "guard". Therefore, the name Astrid means "divine guard" or "godly guardian". It was particularly popular among the Norse people during the Viking Age.
The name Astrid has been used throughout history by several notable figures. One of the most famous bearers of this name is Astrid Lindgren, a Swedish author best known for creating the character Pippi Longstocking. Astrid Kidder, an American actress and model, is another well-known individual with this name.
In literature, Astrid appears in various works including the Norwegian fairy tale "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" as the name of the heroine's sister. Additionally, it has been used as a character name in several video games, such as the "The Sims" series and "Dragon Age: Inquisition".
Overall, Astrid is a strong and unique name with a rich history that continues to be chosen by parents for their daughters today.
The name Astrid has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1892 and 2023, there have been a total of 12,495 births registered with the name Astrid.
From 1892 to 1920, the number of births with the name Astrid fluctuated between a low of 7 births in 1893 and a high of 69 births in 1915. The years 1912 to 1915 saw a significant increase in popularity, with over 40 births each year.
In the following decades, the number of Astrid births decreased, reaching a low of 7 births in 1944. However, starting in the late 1960s, there was a resurgence in popularity for the name Astrid, with over 30 births recorded annually from 1967 to 1978.
The most notable increase in popularity began in the late 1980s and continued into the 21st century. In 1990, there were 100 births registered for Astrid, marking a significant turnaround from previous decades. This trend has persisted, with over 300 births annually since 2004.
The peak of popularity was reached in recent years, with 777 births recorded in 2022 and 764 births in 2023. These figures indicate that Astrid is now one of the most popular names for newborn girls in the United States. This upward trend suggests that Astrid will continue to be a favored choice among parents in the coming years.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Astrid has waxed and waned over time, it has experienced significant growth in recent decades. With its current status as one of the most popular names for newborn girls in the United States, Astrid is sure to remain an enduring favorite among parents for generations to come.