Mildred is a feminine given name of Old English origin, derived from the elements milde meaning "gentle" and þryþ meaning "strength", thus carrying the sense of "gentle strength". It was borne by Saint Mildred, a 7th-century abbess and daughter of the Kentish princess Saint Ermenburga. The name fell into disuse after the Norman Conquest but was revived in the 19th century, peaking in popularity in the United States as the sixth most common name for girls in 1912 and maintaining that rank through 1920 before declining rapidly. Notable Bearers Many notable women have borne the name Mildred across various fields. In art and entertainment, Mildred Bailey (1907–1951) was a celebrated jazz singer, while Mildred Dunnock (1901–1991) was an acclaimed stage and screen actress. In politics and activism, Mildred Barry Hughes (1924–2013) served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and Mildred Fay Jefferson (1926–2010) was the first African American woman to graduate from Harvard Medical School, becoming a prominent anti-abortion activist. The name also appears in literature, such as the character Mildred in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. Related Forms and Diminutives Diminutives include Millie and Milly, both commonly used as given names in their own right. Variant forms in other languages include Mildþryð in Anglo-Saxon and Mildrid in Norwegian. Meaning: gentle strength Origin: Old English Type: feminine given name Usage regions: English-speaking world, particularly the United States and United Kingdom