What does Matilda mean and where does it come from?
Matilda is of German origin, derived from the Old High German 'Mahthildis', composed of 'maht' (might) and 'hild' (battle). The name has been used since the medieval period and is associated with several queens and noble women throughout European history. The name became popular in England during th
Cultural significance
Matilda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of battle-mighty.
Peak popularity
Reached #101 in 1880 — currently #438 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Matilda?
Matilda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Matilda Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Matilda Rose
Floral · soft ending
Matilda Mae
Sweet · timeless
Matilda Claire
French influence · crisp
Matilda Jane
Literary · strong
Matilda Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Matilda right now?
Declining — down 21 spots — currently #438 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #438 | 708 | ▼ down 21 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #417 | 758 | ▲ up 48 · +13% births |
| 2021 | #465 | 673 | ▲ up 13 · +7% births |
| 2020 | #478 | 631 | ▲ up 56 · +8% births |
| 2015 | #534 | 582 | ▲ up 263 · +70% births |
| 2010 | #797 | 343 | ▲ up 824 · +177% births |
| 2005 | #1621 | 124 | ▲ up 480 · +61% births |
| 2000 | #2101 | 77 | ▲ up 686 · +79% births |
| 1995 | #2787 | 43 | ▲ up 922 · +54% births |
| 1990 | #3709 | 28 | ▼ down 965 · -18% births |
| 1985 | #2744 | 34 | ▼ down 258 · -11% births |
| 1980 | #2486 | 38 | ▼ down 959 · -42% births |
| 1975 | #1527 | 66 | ▼ down 207 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #1320 | 80 | ▼ down 240 · -15% births |
| 1965 | #1080 | 94 | — |
The story of Matilda
Matilda has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 33,500 babies have received this name. Once ranked #101 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #438 in 2023. Matilda is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Matilda in 1880:
Matilda by decade
Matilda peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 2,538 | |
| 1890s | 3,249 | |
| 1900s | 2,892 | |
| 1910s ★ | 5,293 | |
| 1920s | 5,021 | |
| 1930s | 2,033 | |
| 1940s | 1,283 | |
| 1950s | 1,178 | |
| 1960s | 983 | |
| 1970s | 620 | |
| 1980s | 359 | |
| 1990s | 486 | |
| 2000s | 1,710 | |
| 2010s | 5,224 | |
| 2020s | 631 | |
What are good nicknames for Matilda?
ENGLISH
MattieMaudieTildaTillieTilly
Famous people named Matilda
M(
Matilda (medieval German ruler)
Matilda bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
M(
Matilda (Norse explorer)
Matilda carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
M(
Matilda (German philosopher)
Matilda used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
M(
Matilda (Scandinavian royal)
Matilda held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Matilda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Matilda also consider these
How is Matilda written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Matilda
What does the name Matilda mean?
Matilda means "battle-mighty" — 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 Matilda?
Matilda is currently ranked #438 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Matilda?
Matilda 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.
How do you pronounce the name Matilda?
Matilda is a three-syllable name pronounced M AH0 T IH1 L D AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Matilda?
Matilda 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.