What does Tilley mean and where does it come from?
Tilley is of Old French origin, derived from the word 'tillet' meaning landlord or estate owner, establishing its roots in the feudal systems of medieval France. Tilley is also used as a surname, and as a first name, it gained popularity in the 20th century in both England and the United States. The
Cultural significance
Tilley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of landlord.
Peak popularity
Reached #4449 in 2025 — currently #4449 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Tilley?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Tilley?
Tilley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tilley Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Tilley Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Tilley Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Tilley Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Tilley Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Tilley Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Tilley right now?
Rising fast — up 686 spots — currently #4449 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #4449 | 32 | ▲ up 686 · +23% births |
| 2024 | #5135 | 26 | ▼ down 283 · -7% births |
| 2023 | #4852 | 28 | ▲ up 925 · +27% births |
| 2022 | #5777 | 22 | ▲ up 151 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #5928 | 21 | ▲ up 3400 · +91% births |
| 2020 | #9328 | 11 | ▲ up 4675 · +57% births |
| 2015 | #14003 | 7 | ▼ down 4824 · -46% births |
| 2010 | #9179 | 13 | ▲ up 9959 · +160% births |
| 2005 | #19138 | 5 | — |
The story of Tilley
Tilley is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2005. With 131 total births recorded, Tilley remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #19138 in 2005 to #4852 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tilley in 2025:
💎Tilley has only 131 total recorded births since 2005 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Tilley?
What names sound and feel like Tilley?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tilley also consider these
Common questions about the name Tilley
What does the name Tilley mean?
Tilley means "Landlord" — 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 Tilley?
Tilley is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Tilley have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Tilley?
Tilley 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.
Is Tilley trending right now?
Tilley is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Tilley a common or rare name?
Tilley is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.