Gunilla as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Gunilla

What is the meaning of the name Gunilla ?

The baby name Gunilla is a Female name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced Swedish IPA: [ɡʉˈnɪlːa]; English respelling: goo-NEEL-ah or GUH-nil-uh.

Gunilla is Swedish in Origin.

Gunilla is a Swedish feminine name ultimately derived from Old Norse Gunnhildr, composed of gunnr “war” and hildr “battle.” The meaning is often rendered as “battle maiden” or “war‑battle,” reflecting the martial imagery of its elements. While closely related to Norwegian and Danish Gunhild and Icelandic Gunnhildur, Gunilla developed as a specifically Swedish and Finland‑Swedish form.

The name appears in Swedish records from the 16th century, most notably borne by Queen consort Gunilla Bielke (1568–1597), and later enjoyed broad popularity in Sweden during the mid‑20th century. It remains recognizable through cultural figures such as fashion designer Gunilla Pontén and actress Gunilla Hutton. Variants and cognates include Gunhild, Gunnhild, Gunnhildr, and the Latinate Gunhilda; common short forms include Nilla. Usage beyond Scandinavia is uncommon but understandable due to its transparent Nordic roots. In the Swedish calendar, Gunilla shares the January 30 name day with Gunhild.