Brunhilde combines the Old German brun (armor) and hild (battle) — "armored battle-maiden." The Valkyrie of Norse and Germanic legend who features in the Nibelungenlied and Wagner's Ring cycle.
Queen Brunhilda of Austrasia (c. 543-613) was the Frankish queen who ruled for 40 years.
Brunhilde reduces to eight — the number of Valkyrie.