Mildred \m(i)-ld-red, mil-dred\ as a girl's name is pronounced MIL-dred. It is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Mildred is "gentle strength". An Anglo-Saxon name. Saint Mildred (eighth century) was an abbess from a royal household noted for her gentleness and kindness. The name was revived in the 17th century, and was outdated by the time of the 1945 film "Mildred Pierce".