What does Tilman mean and where does it come from?
Tilman is a traditional German name that has been found in records since the medieval period, often associated with strong, courageous leaders. Its popularity has varied, but it has seen a resurgence in modern times in both Germany and the United States.
Cultural significance
Tilman has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of german.
Peak popularity
Reached #780 in 1881 — currently #10690 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tilman?
Tilman works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tilman Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tilman Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tilman Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tilman Claire
French influence · crisp
Tilman Jane
Literary · strong
Tilman Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tilman right now?
Falling — down 3478 spots — currently #10690 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #10690 | 7 | ▼ down 3478 · -42% births |
| 2022 | #7212 | 12 | ▲ up 1461 · +50% births |
| 2020 | #8673 | 8 | ▲ up 902 · +14% births |
| 2015 | #9575 | 7 | ▼ down 439 |
| 2005 | #9136 | 7 | ▲ up 8 · +17% births |
| 2000 | #9144 | 6 | ▼ down 1924 |
| 1990 | #7220 | 6 | ▼ down 2954 |
| 1970 | #4266 | 6 | ▼ down 295 · +20% births |
| 1965 | #3971 | 5 | ▼ down 975 · -37% births |
| 1955 | #2996 | 8 | ▼ down 664 · -27% births |
| 1950 | #2332 | 11 | ▼ down 463 · -21% births |
| 1945 | #1869 | 14 | ▲ up 236 · +17% births |
| 1940 | #2105 | 12 | ▼ down 504 · -37% births |
| 1935 | #1601 | 19 | ▲ up 1221 · +111% births |
| 1930 | #2822 | 9 | — |
The story of Tilman
Tilman has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. With 911 total births recorded, Tilman remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1080 in 1910, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10690 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tilman in 1881:
Tilman by decade
Tilman peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 13 | |
| 1890s | 11 | |
| 1900s | 7 | |
| 1910s | 140 | |
| 1920s ★ | 202 | |
| 1930s | 131 | |
| 1940s | 105 | |
| 1950s | 100 | |
| 1960s | 40 | |
| 1970s | 32 | |
| 1980s | 16 | |
| 1990s | 23 | |
| 2000s | 44 | |
| 2010s | 39 | |
| 2020s | 8 | |
💎Tilman has only 911 total recorded births since 1881 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Tilman?
Famous people named Tilman
T(
Tilman (Scandinavian royal)
Tilman held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
T(
Tilman (medieval German ruler)
Tilman bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
T(
Tilman (Norse explorer)
Tilman carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
T(
Tilman (German philosopher)
Tilman used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Tilman?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tilman also consider these
Common questions about the name Tilman
What does the name Tilman mean?
Tilman 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 Tilman?
Tilman is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Tilman?
Tilman 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.
Is Tilman a common or rare name?
Tilman is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Tilman?
Tilman naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.