Heidi

girlGermanic

Heidi is a girl name of Germanic, via Swiss German origin, meaning “Noble kind”.

MeaningNoble kind
GenderGirl
OriginGermanic, via Swiss German
PronunciationHY-dee
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inSwitzerland, Germany, Finland, United States

Meaning and origin of Heidi

Heidi is a Swiss German diminutive of Adelheid, the German form of Adelaide, built from adal 'noble' and heit 'kind, type'. It became famous through Johanna Spyri's 1881 novel Heidi, about an orphan girl living with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. The book's success made the pet name a given name in many countries. Bearers include the model Heidi Klum.

Is Heidi a religious name?

Heidi has no religious background; it is a Germanic name made famous by a children's novel, though Adelheid was carried by Saint Adelaide, a tenth-century empress.

How popular is Heidi?

Popular in many countries from the 1960s to the 1980s and less common for babies now.

Gifts with the name Heidi

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Spellings and variants of Heidi

AdelheidAdelaideHeideHedy

Names similar to Heidi

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Heidi mean?

Heidi means 'Noble kind'. It is of Germanic, via Swiss German origin.

Does Heidi have a religious meaning?

Heidi has no religious background; it is a Germanic name made famous by a children's novel, though Adelheid was carried by Saint Adelaide, a tenth-century empress.

How do you pronounce Heidi?

Heidi is pronounced HY-dee.

Is Heidi a boy or girl name?

Heidi is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.