Hedwig

Hedwig is a feminine given name of Germanic origin. It derives from Old High German Hedwig or Hedewig, combining elements that mean “battle” and “war.” The name has several variants, including Hedvig and Hedvika, and is used in German-speaking regions and parts of Central and Northern Europe. In Polish, the traditional form is Jadwiga.

Saint Hedwig refers to Hedwig of Silesia (1174–1243), also known as Hedwig of Andechs. She was a duchess who later became a nun and was canonized in the 13th century. She is venerated as the patroness of Silesia and of orphans and is remembered in Catholic devotion in parts of Central Europe.

Several historical figures named Hedwig are noted in German and Central European culture. Hedwig Dohm (1831–1919) was a writer and early advocate for women’s rights. Hedwig Courths-Mahler (1863–1950) gained popularity as a novelist of romantic tales. Hedwig Kohn (1887–1961) was a physicist who contributed to early 20th-century science.

In popular fiction, Hedwig appears in different contexts. In J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, Hedwig is Harry Potter’s snowy owl and primary messenger, a character associated with the early books and films; the motif Hedwig’s Theme is widely recognized as the principal musical cue of the film series. The name is also central to Hedwig and the Angry Inch, a stage musical (and 2001 film) featuring a transgender rock singer named Hedwig.