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 #1269 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Tillie?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Tillie Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Tillie Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Tillie Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Tillie Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Tillie Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Tillie right now?
Declining — down 34 spots — currently #1269 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1269 | 177 | ▼ down 34 · -7% births |
| 2024 | #1235 | 191 | ▼ down 44 · -81% births |
| 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 | — |
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:
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 | 480 | |
What are good nicknames for Tillie?
What names sound and feel like Tillie?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tillie also consider these
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 TIL-ee. 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.