Meaning & History
Ingrid is a feminine given name derived from the Old Norse name Ingríðr, meaning "Ing is beautiful." It combines the name of the Germanic god Ing with the element fríðr (meaning "beautiful" or "beloved"). The name is widely used throughout Scandinavia and was particularly popular in Norway, where over 2% of newborn girls were named Ingrid in 1920. It also saw high popularity in Germany from the 1920s to the 1950s.
Etymology
The first element, Ing, refers to an obscure Germanic fertility god associated with the tribe of the Ingaevones and possibly an early form of the god Freyr. The second element, fríðr, is common in Germanic feminine names and carries connotations of beauty and love. The name is a short form of the Old Norse Ingfríðr, and variants include Ingerid, Ingris, and Ingfrid. Reductions such as Inga, Inger, and Ingri are also common.
Notable Bearers
A famous bearer is the Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman (1915–1982), known for films such as Casablanca and Notorious. Historical figures include Ingerid of Denmark (an 11th-century Norwegian queen consort) and Saint Ingrid of Skänninge (a 13th-century Swedish abbess).
Cultural Significance
The name remains popular in Scandinavian countries, particularly in Norway and Sweden. Related forms across languages include Íngrid (Spanish), Inkeri and Inka (Finnish), Inga (Russian), Ingrīda (Latvian), and Ingrida (Lithuanian).
- Meaning: "Ing is beautiful"
- Origin: Old Norse
- Type: Given name
- Usage Regions: Scandinavia, Germany, Estonia, and beyond
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Ingrid (given name)