"noble, of noble type"
Origin: Old High German
Language: English
Heidi
Pronunciation: [ h-EYED-ee ]
Does Heidi flow with your last name?
Alpine spirit, noble heart
German
Swiss
American
English
Gender Neutral
Vintage
Swiss Alpine
Literary
Fresh
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"noble kind"
Origin: Germanic
Language: German
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Things to Know About This Name
- predominantly considered a girl's name in Anglophone cultures
The Story of Heidi
Heidi is a German diminutive of Adelheid (Adelaide), from the Old High German 'adal' (noble) and 'heid' (type, sort, kind) — meaning 'noble type' or 'of noble kind.' The name became globally beloved through Johanna Spyri's 1881 Swiss novel 'Heidi,' which painted an idyllic picture of Alpine life and a free-spirited orphan girl. Using Heidi for a boy echoes Germanic traditions where the 'heid' suffix appears in masculine names like Gottfried and Siegfried.
Heidi peaked in English-speaking countries in the 1970s and 80s as a girl's name. Using it for a boy today is unconventional, but the Germanic 'heid' element has deep masculine roots, and the name's crisp sound works across genders.
Switzerland's most beloved fictional character — Heidi — made this name synonymous with Alpine purity, independence, and joy. The story has been adapted into countless films and TV series across the world, making Heidi one of the most recognized names globally.
Historical Record
Heidi first appeared in US Social Security records in 1960.
Over 361 babies have been named Heidi in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Heidi is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #39,514 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Heidi derives from the same root as Adelaide, meaning noble — making it one of the more quietly aristocratic diminutive names
- Johanna Spyri's 1881 novel Heidi has been translated into over 50 languages and never gone out of print
- Heidi Klum, the German model and TV personality, is perhaps the most famous modern bearer of the name
Heidi in Other Languages
Swiss
Heidi
French
Heidi
German
Heidi
Italian
Heidi
Japanese
ハイジ
Popularity Over Time
#39,514
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Heidi with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #39,514
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- German Swiss American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Heid
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, German heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Heidi
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Heidi is also used as a girl name, ranked #345.
View Heidi as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (German)
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Kiley
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Australian Aboriginal origin
"curved throwing stick, boomerang"
#39,710 in US
Shannan
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Irish origin
"possessor of old wisdom (mythological)"
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Germanic braun origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Heidi
What does the name Heidi mean?
"noble, of noble type" (from Old High German). "noble kind" (from Germanic). Heidi is a German diminutive of Adelheid (Adelaide), from the Old High German 'adal' (noble) and 'heid' (type, sort, kind) — meaning 'noble type' or 'of noble kind.' The name became globally beloved through Johanna Spyri's 1881 Swiss novel 'Heidi,' which painted an idyllic picture of Alpine life and a free-spirited orphan girl. Using Heidi for a boy echoes Germanic traditions where the 'heid' suffix appears in masculine names like Gottfried and Siegfried.
What is the origin of the name Heidi?
Heidi has Old High German, Germanic, German, Swiss, American, and English origins. In Old High German, it means "noble, of noble type". In Germanic, it means "noble kind".
Is Heidi a boy or girl name?
Heidi is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #39514. As a girl name, it is ranked #345. Heidi is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Heidi?
Heidi is pronounced h-EYED-ee.
How popular is the name Heidi?
Heidi is currently ranked #39514 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Heidi?
Common nicknames for Heidi include Heid.
What are good middle names for Heidi?
Popular middle name pairings include Heidi James, Heidi Thomas, Heidi Wolf, Heidi Klaus, and Heidi August.
What are good sibling names for Heidi?
Names that pair well with Heidi as siblings include Heike, Finn, Gretel, Hans, and Liesel.
How many syllables does Heidi have?
Heidi has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Heidi a common or rare name?
Heidi is an uncommon name, ranked #39514 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Heidi
Heidi is a boy name with German, Swiss, American, and English origins . The name means "noble, of noble type" in Old High German .
Is Heidi a boy or girl name? Heidi is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #39,514 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #345. Heidi is more commonly used as a girl name.
Heidi is currently ranked #39,514 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Heidi has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-EYED-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Heidi include Heid. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis