Ragnhild is a unique and intriguing female given name of Norse origin. It is derived from two Old Norse elements: 'regin', which means 'power' or 'warrior', and 'hild', which translates to 'battle'. Therefore, the name Ragnhild can be interpreted as 'powerful in battle'.
The name first appears in the Old Norse saga literature, where it was borne by several characters. One of the most notable was Ragnhild, a character from the Norwegian medieval work "Heimskringla". She was the daughter of Earl Hakon Sigurdsson and is remembered for her bravery and resourcefulness during her father's exile.
Despite its ancient roots, Ragnhild remains relatively uncommon today. It has been more commonly used in Scandinavia, particularly in Norway, but it can be found elsewhere as well. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Norse names like Ragnhild, perhaps due to the popularity of Viking-themed literature and media.
Overall, Ragnhild is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history dating back centuries. Its meaning and origins make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
The statistics provided indicate that the name Ragnhild has been given to a total of 60 newborns in the United States between the years 1900 and 1931. During this period, the number of births with the name Ragnhild varied each year, ranging from as low as five births in several years to a high of eight births in both 1915 and 1916. It is interesting to note that there was a brief increase in popularity for the name around the early 1910s, with six births recorded in both 1910 and 1914. However, by the late 1920s and early 1930s, the popularity of the name had decreased once again, with only five births reported each year in 1923 and 1931. Overall, these statistics provide a snapshot of the usage of the name Ragnhild in the United States during this particular time period.