What does Tilly mean and where does it come from?
Tilly is often considered a diminutive form of names like Matilda or Ottilie, both deriving from Germanic roots. The name got popularity in the medieval period, particularly in England due to its association with the strong characteristics of its longer forms. Tilly has been widely used in English-s
Cultural significance
Tilly has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of strong in battle.
Peak popularity
Reached #885 in 2025 — currently #885 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Tilly?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Tilly?
Tilly works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tilly Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Tilly Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Tilly Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Tilly Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Tilly Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Tilly Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Tilly right now?
Rising fast — up 69 spots — currently #885 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #885 | 302 | ▲ up 69 · +10% births |
| 2024 | #954 | 274 | ▲ up 91 · +13% births |
| 2023 | #1045 | 242 | ▼ down 16 · -3% births |
| 2022 | #1029 | 249 | ▲ up 104 · +14% births |
| 2021 | #1133 | 218 | ▲ up 200 · +33% births |
| 2020 | #1333 | 164 | ▲ up 944 · +100% births |
| 2015 | #2277 | 82 | ▲ up 1298 · +86% births |
| 2010 | #3575 | 44 | ▲ up 4362 · +214% births |
| 2005 | #7937 | 14 | ▲ up 7229 · +180% births |
| 2000 | #15166 | 5 | ▼ down 6319 · -44% births |
| 1995 | #8847 | 9 | ▲ up 2675 · +50% births |
| 1990 | #11522 | 6 | ▼ down 2276 · +20% births |
| 1975 | #9246 | 5 | ▼ down 5189 · -17% births |
| 1940 | #4057 | 6 | ▲ up 1163 · +20% births |
| 1925 | #5220 | 5 | — |
The story of Tilly
Tilly entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 1,412 total births recorded, Tilly remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5260 in 1920 to #1045 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tilly in 2025:
Tilly by decade
Tilly peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 27 | |
| 1920s | 20 | |
| 1930s | 11 | |
| 1940s | 6 | |
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 24 | |
| 1970s | 28 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 71 | |
| 2000s | 184 | |
| 2010s ★ | 867 | |
| 2020s | 740 | |
💎With 1,412 total births, Tilly is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Tilly?
What names sound and feel like Tilly?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tilly also consider these
How is Tilly written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Tilly
What does the name Tilly mean?
Tilly means "Strong in battle" — 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 Tilly?
Tilly is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Tilly have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Tilly?
Tilly 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 Tilly trending right now?
Tilly is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Tilly a common or rare name?
Tilly is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.