What does Mathilda mean and where does it come from?
Mathilda originates from the Old German name 'Mahthildis', meaning 'strength in battle'. The name has variations such as Matilda, and has been prominent in various royal lineages across Europe. It was notably borne by Matilda of Scotland and became popular in English-speaking countries during the Mi
Cultural significance
Mathilda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of strength in battle.
Peak popularity
Reached #167 in 1883 — currently #5079 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Mathilda?
Mathilda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mathilda Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Mathilda Rose
Floral · soft ending
Mathilda Mae
Sweet · timeless
Mathilda Claire
French influence · crisp
Mathilda Jane
Literary · strong
Mathilda Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Mathilda right now?
Falling — down 997 spots — currently #5079 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #5079 | 26 | ▼ down 997 · -28% births |
| 2022 | #4082 | 36 | ▼ down 660 · -22% births |
| 2021 | #3422 | 46 | ▲ up 806 · +44% births |
| 2020 | #4228 | 32 | ▼ down 1060 · -38% births |
| 2015 | #3168 | 52 | ▲ up 1130 · +53% births |
| 2010 | #4298 | 34 | ▲ up 4582 · +183% births |
| 2005 | #8880 | 12 | ▼ down 2674 · -29% births |
| 2000 | #6206 | 17 | ▲ up 836 · +42% births |
| 1995 | #7042 | 12 | ▲ up 3632 · +140% births |
| 1985 | #10674 | 5 | ▼ down 1606 |
| 1975 | #9068 | 5 | ▼ down 4309 · -55% births |
| 1970 | #4759 | 11 | ▼ down 1026 · -8% births |
| 1965 | #3733 | 12 | ▲ up 447 · +20% births |
| 1960 | #4180 | 10 | ▼ down 1083 · -29% births |
| 1955 | #3097 | 14 | — |
The story of Mathilda
Mathilda has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 7,355 total births recorded, Mathilda remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #177 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5079 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Mathilda in 1883:
Mathilda by decade
Mathilda peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,065 | |
| 1890s | 1,323 | |
| 1900s | 960 | |
| 1910s ★ | 1,357 | |
| 1920s | 1,057 | |
| 1930s | 376 | |
| 1940s | 190 | |
| 1950s | 134 | |
| 1960s | 106 | |
| 1970s | 73 | |
| 1980s | 25 | |
| 1990s | 65 | |
| 2000s | 214 | |
| 2010s | 378 | |
| 2020s | 32 | |
💎With 7,355 total births, Mathilda is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Mathilda?
ENGLISH
MattieMaudieTildaTillieTilly
Famous people named Mathilda
M(
Mathilda (Germanic saint)
Mathilda spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
M(
Mathilda (medieval German ruler)
Mathilda bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
M(
Mathilda (Norse explorer)
Mathilda carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
M(
Mathilda (German philosopher)
Mathilda used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Mathilda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mathilda also consider these
How is Mathilda written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Mathilda
What does the name Mathilda mean?
Mathilda means "strength in battle" — a name rooted in Germanic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Mathilda?
Mathilda is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Mathilda?
Mathilda originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Mathilda?
Mathilda pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Germanic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Mathilda a common or rare name?
Mathilda is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.