Hedda

Hedda is a feminine given name of Germanic origin, often a short form of Hedwig or other names beginning with Hed-, and used in Germany, Scandinavia, and other parts of Europe. The etymology typically links the name to elements related to battle or strength, though exact meanings vary by language and era.

In literature, Hedda Gabler is the best-known bearer of the name. Hedda Gabler is the title character of Henrik Ibsen's late 19th-century play Hedda Gabler. The drama centers on a complex, educated woman whose dissatisfaction with social conventions and personal circumstances drives much of the action, making the character a focal point in discussions of gender, autonomy, and power in modern drama.

Notable people named Hedda include Hedda Sterne, a Romanian-born American painter and printmaker associated with Abstract Expressionism; she is recognized for her contributions to mid-20th-century modern art and for her role within the movement's broader artistic landscape.

The name Hedda remains in occasional use in Northern and Central Europe and among families with Germanic roots. Variants and related forms include Hedvig, Hedwig, and Hedvika.