Matilda
Matilda is a girl's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Mighty in battle.
Origin and history
Matilda is a classic given name derived from the Old High German name Mahthildis, combining words for strength and battle. It was brought to England by the Normans and became a royal staple in medieval Europe. In the United States, the name experienced a steady revival in the early 21st century.
Popularity in the United States
37,270 babies in the United States have been named Matilda since 1880. It ranks #720 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #422.
States where it is most popular
- NY (12.1 %)
- PA (10.3 %)
- CA (8 %)
- TX (7.8 %)
- OH (4.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 2,533 |
| 1890-1900 | 3,249 |
| 1900-1910 | 2,892 |
| 1910-1920 | 5,293 |
| 1920-1930 | 5,016 |
| 1930-1940 | 2,033 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,284 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,179 |
| 1960-1970 | 983 |
| 1970-1980 | 620 |
| 1980-1990 | 359 |
| 1990-2000 | 486 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,712 |
| 2010-2019 | 5,241 |
| 2020-2029 | 4,390 |
Famous people named Matilda
- Matilda Ramsay: Television Presenter, Chef
- Matilda De Angelis: Actress, Singer
Nicknames
Mattie, Tillie, Tilda, Milly
Fun facts
- The name was introduced to England by Matilda of Flanders, wife of William the Conqueror.
- Roald Dahl popularized the name for modern audiences through his beloved 1988 children's novel Matilda.