What does Tilda mean and where does it come from?
The name Tilda is a diminutive of Matilda, which is derived from the Old High German name Mahthildis, meaning 'strength in battle'. Tilda has been popular in Sweden and Germany; its use in English-speaking countries, particularly as a standalone name, has increased since the late 20th century. Notab
Cultural significance
Tilda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Sweden-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a strong woman, battle maiden.
Peak popularity
Reached #323 in 1883 — currently #6135 in the US.
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Related Reading
Sweden-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tilda?
Tilda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tilda Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tilda Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tilda Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tilda Claire
French influence · crisp
Tilda Jane
Literary · strong
Tilda Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tilda right now?
Falling — down 172 spots — currently #6135 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #6135 | 20 | ▼ down 172 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #5963 | 21 | ▲ up 699 · +17% births |
| 2021 | #6662 | 18 | ▲ up 817 · +29% births |
| 2020 | #7479 | 14 | ▼ down 778 · -22% births |
| 2015 | #6701 | 18 | ▲ up 4540 · +100% births |
| 2010 | #11241 | 9 | ▼ down 2158 · +80% births |
| 1975 | #9083 | 5 | ▼ down 4017 · -50% births |
| 1970 | #5066 | 10 | ▼ down 1323 · -17% births |
| 1965 | #3743 | 12 | ▼ down 42 |
| 1960 | #3701 | 12 | ▼ down 1146 · -37% births |
| 1955 | #2555 | 19 | ▼ down 299 |
| 1950 | #2256 | 19 | ▼ down 460 · -14% births |
| 1945 | #1796 | 22 | ▲ up 512 · +69% births |
| 1940 | #2308 | 13 | ▼ down 890 · -52% births |
| 1935 | #1418 | 27 | — |
The story of Tilda
Tilda has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 1,950 total births recorded, Tilda remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #731 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6135 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tilda in 1883:
Tilda by decade
Tilda peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 179 | |
| 1890s | 190 | |
| 1900s | 195 | |
| 1910s | 229 | |
| 1920s ★ | 280 | |
| 1930s | 207 | |
| 1940s | 150 | |
| 1950s | 176 | |
| 1960s | 142 | |
| 1970s | 38 | |
| 2000s | 24 | |
| 2010s | 126 | |
| 2020s | 14 | |
💎With 1,950 total births, Tilda is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Tilda?
What names sound and feel like Tilda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tilda also consider these
How is Tilda written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Tilda
What does the name Tilda mean?
Tilda means "A strong woman, battle maiden" — a name rooted in Sweden 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 Tilda?
Tilda is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Tilda have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Tilda?
Tilda originates from Sweden tradition. Sweden 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 Tilda?
Tilda is a two-syllable name pronounced 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.
Is Tilda trending right now?
Tilda is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.