Tillie

“battle maiden”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#1191US 2023

1kBirths / yr

→Stable

14.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.11% of births at peak

How to pronounce Tillie

TIL·ee

/ˈtɪl.iː/ · stress on TIL · 2 syllables

“battle maiden”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Tillie mean and where does it come from?

Tillie is often considered a diminutive of Matilda, which comes from the Germanic elements 'maht' (might) and 'hild' (battle). Tillie became popular as an independent name in the late 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. It evokes a vintage charm and is often associated with end

Cultural significance

Tillie has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of battle maiden.

Peak popularity

Reached #148 in 1884 — currently #1191 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Tillie?

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

Tillie Grace

How popular is Tillie right now?

Holding steady — currently #1191 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#1191 · Top 0.88%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1191	1,009	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1196	989	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1201	959	▲ up 555 · +756% births
2020	#1756	112	▲ up 792 · +60% births
2015	#2548	70	▲ up 3218 · +204% births
2010	#5766	23	▲ up 1732 · +53% births
2005	#7498	15	▼ down 1797 · -21% births
2000	#5701	19	▲ up 2379 · +90% births
1995	#8080	10	▼ down 1216 · -17% births
1990	#6864	12	▼ down 1517 · -8% births
1985	#5347	13	▼ down 1198 · -28% births
1980	#4149	18	▼ down 992 · -18% births
1975	#3157	22	▲ up 1091 · +69% births
1970	#4248	13	▼ down 1904 · -50% births
1965	#2344	26	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Tillie

Best Year1900Rank #222

Peak Count1,009

Average Rank#2566

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Tillie

Tillie has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 14,930 babies have received this name. Once ranked #160 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1191 in 2023. Tillie is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Tillie in 1884:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Minnie

Tillie by decade

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

Decade	Births
1880s	1,254
1890s	2,009
1900s	1,847
1910s ★	3,666
1920s	2,707
1930s	1,136
1940s	559
1950s	315
1960s	187
1970s	142
1980s	116
1990s	89
2000s	204
2010s	587
2020s	112

What are good nicknames for Tillie?

Common

TilTiIllie

What names sound and feel like Tillie?

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

Nillie

American · Bright, shining one

Billie

American · A diminutive of

Zillie

American · a variant of

United Kingdom · Strong fighter

How is Tillie written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Tillie

What does the name Tillie mean?

Tillie means "battle maiden" — a name rooted in American 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 Tillie?

Tillie 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 Tillie?

Tillie originates from American tradition. American 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 Tillie?

Tillie is a two-syllable name pronounced T IH1 L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Tillie a common or rare name?

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