Gunilda

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Gunilda

Gender: Feminine
Language: English, German
Etymology:
Gunilda is the modern form of an Old Scandinavian name, Gunnhildr, or the Old German name Gundichild. meaning “War Battle” from “gunnr” (war) and “hildr” (battle).

History:
The name Gunnhildr was introduced to England by the Norse invaders of the early Middle Ages (a daughter of Canute was named Gunhild). After the Normans invaded in 1066, with their transforming French language and culture, the name transformed into Quenild (by upper-class Norman French speakers) or Gunnell (by lower-class Old English speakers).

The various forms of Gunilda lasted in England until the 14th century (though they lasted in Scandinavia until modern times) and left behind a few surnames.

Pronunciation: gun-ild-ah.

Alternates: Gunhilda, Gunhilde, Gonnilda, Gunil, Gunild, Gunnild, Gunnilda, Gunnilde, Gunhild, Gunnell, Geneld, Gunnell.
French (Norman): Quenilda, Quinhild.

Surnames:
English: Gunnell, Quennell, Cunnell.

Famous Bearers:
Royalty:
Gunhilda of Poland (-circa 1015)
Mother of King Canute the Great of England and Denmark.
Gunhild (1020-1038)
Daughter of King Canute, married to Henry III of Germany.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
less than 0.001 % named Gunilda

Popularity of Gunilda:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-2000: N/A