Ingrid: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Ingrid is a female name of Old Norse origin, meaning "beautiful goddess" or "Ing's beauty". It carries strong Scandinavian heritage and gained international recognition through Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Old Norse |
| Meaning | Beautiful goddess, Ing's beauty |
| Gender | Female |
| Pronunciation | ING-grid (English), ING-ree (Swedish/Norwegian) |
Etymology of Ingrid
Ingrid derives from Old Norse Ingríðr, composed of two elements: Ing (the name of a Norse fertility god) and fríðr (beautiful, beloved). The name traditionally means "beautiful goddess" or "Ing's beauty".
The first element Ing refers to Yngvi, an ancient Germanic deity associated with fertility and prosperity, particularly revered in Scandinavian mythology. The second element fríðr appears in many Norse names and denotes physical beauty as well as spiritual grace.
The name entered English-speaking awareness primarily through Scandinavian immigration and cultural exchange in the 19th and 20th centuries, though it remained distinctly Nordic in character until popularized by Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman in the 1940s.
History of Ingrid
Origins and Early Use
Ingrid has been used continuously in Scandinavia since the Viking Age. Historical records show several medieval Swedish and Norwegian noblewomen bearing this name, including Ingrid Ylva (1180-1252), a Swedish duchess and Catholic saint. The name was particularly common among royal and noble families throughout medieval Scandinavia.
Rise to Popularity
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s-1950s | Ingrid Bergman's Hollywood career | Brought name to international attention, peaked at #380 in US (1967) |
| 1960s | Height of mid-century Scandinavian cultural influence | Name reached its highest US popularity |
| 1970s-2000s | Gradual decline | Name became less fashionable as newer international names rose |
The name's greatest surge came through Ingrid Bergman (1915-1982), the Swedish actress who won three Academy Awards and became one of Hollywood's most celebrated stars. Her fame in films like Casablanca (1942) and Notorious (1946) made Ingrid familiar to English speakers worldwide, leading to its peak US ranking of #380 in 1967.
Modern Usage
Today, Ingrid maintains steady but modest usage in the United States, ranking #1092 in 2024. It remains more popular in its native Scandinavia, particularly Norway and Sweden. The name appeals to parents seeking a name with clear European heritage that feels both classic and distinctive without being overly common.
Key insight: This name rose because of celebrity influence and mid-century American fascination with European sophistication, and declined as naming trends shifted toward softer-sounding international names and newly coined options.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Ingrid when they want to convey Scandinavian heritage, artistic sensibility, and classic European elegance, especially in contexts involving cultural appreciation, historical awareness, or connection to Nordic ancestry.
Variants of Ingrid
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swedish | Ingrid | Original form |
| Norwegian | Ingrid | Identical to Swedish |
| Danish | Ingrid | Identical to Swedish |
| German | Ingrid | Direct adoption from Norse |
| Icelandic | Ingiríður | Traditional Icelandic form |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Inga, Inge, Ingie, Ridi (rare)
Similar Names
- Astrid - Another Old Norse name meaning "divinely beautiful"
- Sigrid - Norse name meaning "beautiful victory"
- Ingeborg - Norse name sharing the Ing element
Ingrid Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #1826 | 6 |
| 1920s | #1263 | 37 |
| 1940s | #896 | 64 |
| 1960s | #459 | 455 |
| 1980s | #634 | 288 |
| 2000s | #856 | 257 |
| 2020s | #1008 | 252 |
| 2024s | #1092 | 225 |
Peak: 1967, ranked #380 (578 births)
Current (2024): #1092 (225 births)
Trend analysis: The name peaked in the 1960s following Ingrid Bergman's Hollywood fame, then gradually declined as naming fashions shifted toward softer phonetic patterns and more internationally diverse options.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Ingrid as a Username
Availability
"ingrid" as a username is often taken on major platforms, though availability varies by service and region. Its moderate US popularity and strong Scandinavian usage mean the bare form is frequently claimed.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ingrid | Professional profiles |
| With numbers | ingrid92 | Gaming, casual platforms |
| Abbreviated | inga, ingie | Social media |
| Stylized | xingrid, ingridx | Creative platforms, preserves Scandinavian character |
Digital Impression
Ingrid as an ID tends to project:
- Classic European sophistication - because of its clear Scandinavian heritage and association with mid-century elegance
- Artistic sensibility - because of strong association with Ingrid Bergman and creative fields
- Distinctive without being obscure - because it's recognizable but not overly common
Best for: Professional profiles, creative portfolios, literary or artistic communities, users with Scandinavian heritage
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want maximum availability without variations.
Is Ingrid good for a username?
Ingrid works well as a username if you value classic European heritage and artistic associations. However, due to its moderate international popularity, you may need variations like ingrid_art, ingrid.studio, or inga to secure availability on major platforms.
FAQ
What does Ingrid mean?
Ingrid means "beautiful goddess" or "Ing's beauty" from Old Norse, combining Ing (Norse fertility deity) and fríðr (beautiful).
Is Ingrid popular?
According to SSA data, Ingrid ranks #1092 in the US (2024). It is stable at modest levels, having declined from its 1960s peak.
What are nicknames for Ingrid?
Common nicknames: Inga, Inge, Ingie. Ridi is occasionally used.
Is Ingrid a boy's or girl's name?
Ingrid is traditionally a female name. It remains exclusively feminine in modern usage.
How do you pronounce Ingrid?
Ingrid is pronounced ING-grid in English. In Swedish and Norwegian, it's closer to ING-ree with a softer ending.
Is Ingrid good for a username?
Ingrid works well as a username if you value Scandinavian heritage and classic sophistication, though availability may require variations like ingrid_art or inga.
Related Names
- Astrid - Shares Old Norse origin and "beautiful" meaning component
- Sigrid - Another Norse name with the fríðr (beautiful) element
- Inga - Shorter form, often preferred for digital IDs
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name Last updated: February 2026