Tilla

“Tilla is a diminutive of Matilda, derived from the Germanic elements 'maht' (might) and 'hild' (battle)”

Germanic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1492US 2023

708Births / yr

→Stable

86All-time births

📅 Since 188100.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Tilla

TILL·AH

/ˈtɪll.ˈɑ/ · stress on TILL · 2 syllables

“Tilla is a diminutive of Matilda, derived from the Germanic elements 'maht' (might) and 'hild' (battle)”

Germanic origin · Girl name

What does Tilla mean and where does it come from?

Tilla is a diminutive of Matilda, derived from the Germanic elements 'maht' (might) and 'hild' (battle). The name has roots in both German culture and its adaptation in the United States. Tilla has resonated as a unique name over the last few decades, often seen among those who favor vintage or trad

Cultural significance

Tilla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of german.

Peak popularity

Reached #825 in 1881 — currently #1492 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Tilla?

Tilla works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Tilla Grace

How popular is Tilla right now?

Holding steady — currently #1492 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#1492 · Top 1.1%

1885

1890

1900

1905

1985

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1492	708	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1497	688	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1502	658	▲ up 6861 · +9300% births
1985	#8363	7	▼ down 6623 · +17% births
1905	#1740	6	▲ up 225 · +20% births
1900	#1965	5	▼ down 833 · -29% births
1890	#1132	7	▼ down 33 · +40% births
1885	#1099	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Tilla

Best Year2023Rank #1492

Peak Count708

Average Rank#2760

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 20236 years

The story of Tilla

Tilla has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. With 86 total births recorded, Tilla remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1099 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1492 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Tilla in 1881:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Margaret

Tilla by decade

Tilla peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s ★	36
1890s	14
1900s	11
1910s	12
1920s	6
1980s	7

💎Tilla has only 86 total recorded births since 1881 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Tilla?

Common

TilTi

Famous people named Tilla

Tilla (Germanic saint)

Tilla spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.

Tilla (German philosopher)

Tilla used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.

Tilla (medieval German ruler)

Tilla bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.

Tilla (Norse explorer)

Tilla carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Tilla?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tilla also consider these

Tila

American · To occur at

Willa

English · resolute protector

Cilla

Spain · Bitter; the one

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Common questions about the name Tilla

What does the name Tilla mean?

Tilla means "German" — 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 Tilla?

Tilla is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Tilla?

Tilla 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 Tilla?

Tilla is a two-syllable name pronounced T IH1 L L AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Tilla a common or rare name?

Tilla is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.