mildred: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal/Personal
Quick answer
What does “mildred” mean?
A female given name of Old English origin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A female given name of Old English origin.
Primarily used as a proper noun to identify an individual. Historically a common name, now considered old-fashioned. The name connotes qualities associated with its etymological meaning: 'gentle strength'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage as a name is identical. It is an Anglo-Saxon name, historically used in both regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, the name strongly connotes an older generation (e.g., born in the early-to-mid 20th century). It may be perceived as quaint, traditional, or slightly rustic.
Frequency
Extremely rare as a given name for children born after the 1950s in both the UK and US. Its frequency is now largely historical.
Grammar
How to Use “mildred” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] (subject/object of a verb)Possessive: Mildred's [Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except possibly as the name of a person (e.g., 'Mildred in Accounts').
Academic
Might appear in historical texts, genealogical studies, or literature as a character name.
Everyday
Used only in personal contexts to refer to a specific person named Mildred.
Technical
No technical usage.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mildred”
- Using 'Mildred' as a common noun (e.g., 'She is a mildred' is incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'Mildread', 'Mildrid'.
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the second syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare for children born after the 1950s and is considered an old-fashioned name.
No, it is exclusively a proper noun (a name). The similar-sounding adjective is 'mild'.
It is of Old English origin, from 'milde' (gentle) and 'þryð' (strength), meaning 'gentle strength'.
Yes, examples include Mildred 'Babe' Didrikson Zaharias (athlete), Mildred Dresselhaus (physicist), and the fictional character Mildred Hubble from the 'Worst Witch' series.
A female given name of Old English origin.
Mildred is usually formal/personal in register.
Mildred: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪldrɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪldrɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MILD RED: Imagine a very gentle (mild) woman with red hair named Mildred.
Conceptual Metaphor
A name is a container for identity; AN OLD-FASHIONED NAME IS A RELIC OF THE PAST.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of the word 'Mildred' in modern English?