What does Maude mean and where does it come from?
Maude is of Germanic origin, derived from the name Matilda, which means 'strength in battle'. This name was popular in medieval England, particularly due to figures such as Empress Matilda. Maude was commonly used from the 19th to mid-20th century and was notably borne by the actress Maude Adams and
Cultural significance
Maude has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of powerful battler.
Peak popularity
Reached #20 in 1882 — currently #1384 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Maude?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Maude?
Maude works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maude Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Maude Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maude Mae
Sweet · timeless
Maude Claire
French influence · crisp
Maude Jane
Literary · strong
Maude Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maude right now?
Holding steady — currently #1384 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1384 | 816 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1389 | 796 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1394 | 766 | ▲ up 5173 · +4406% births |
| 2020 | #6567 | 17 | ▲ up 682 · +6% births |
| 2015 | #7249 | 16 | ▲ up 6186 · +129% births |
| 2010 | #13435 | 7 | ▼ down 431 |
| 2005 | #13004 | 7 | ▼ down 1208 |
| 2000 | #11796 | 7 | ▼ down 3717 · -30% births |
| 1995 | #8079 | 10 | ▼ down 782 · -9% births |
| 1990 | #7297 | 11 | ▼ down 845 · +10% births |
| 1985 | #6452 | 10 | ▼ down 539 · -9% births |
| 1980 | #5913 | 11 | ▼ down 1965 · -31% births |
| 1975 | #3948 | 16 | ▼ down 1093 · -33% births |
| 1970 | #2855 | 24 | ▼ down 512 · -8% births |
| 1965 | #2343 | 26 | — |
The story of Maude
Maude has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #20 in 1882. A total of 45,712 babies have received this name. Once ranked #21 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1384 in 2023. Maude is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Maude in 1882:
Maude by decade
Maude peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s ★ | 11,502 | |
| 1890s | 11,354 | |
| 1900s | 7,154 | |
| 1910s | 6,726 | |
| 1920s | 4,546 | |
| 1930s | 1,810 | |
| 1940s | 1,062 | |
| 1950s | 647 | |
| 1960s | 302 | |
| 1970s | 145 | |
| 1980s | 108 | |
| 1990s | 95 | |
| 2000s | 86 | |
| 2010s | 158 | |
| 2020s | 17 | |
What are good nicknames for Maude?
ENGLISH
MattieMaudieTildaTillieTilly
What names sound and feel like Maude?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maude also consider these
How is Maude written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Maude
What does the name Maude mean?
Maude means "powerful battler" — a name rooted in England 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 Maude?
Maude is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Maude?
Maude originates from England tradition. England 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 Maude?
Maude is a one-syllable name pronounced M AO1 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Maude sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Maude flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Maude ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.