Matilda: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced muh-TIL-duh · 3 syllables
Matilda means “mighty in battle”, from Germanic.
From Middle English Matilda, from Old French Mathilde, from Old High German Mahthilt, Mehthilt, from Proto-West Germanic *Mahtihild, from Proto-Germanic *Mahtihildiz; compare German Mechthild, Old English Maethhild (“Matilda”).
- Meaning
- mighty in battle
- Origin
- Germanic
- Pronunciation
- muh-TIL-duh
- US rank (2025)
- #364
- US babies a year
- about 750 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1880
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Rising
How popular is Matilda?
Matilda was the #364 name in the US in 2025, given to 838 babies. It’s rising: up 61% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1880.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #364 |
| England & Wales | #29 |
| Scotland | #100 |
| Northern Ireland | #95 |
| Ireland | #106 |
| France | #702 |
| Norway | #150 |
| Canada | #333 |
| Australia | #8 |
How old are people named Matilda?
Half of US adults named Matilda are older than 56; most are between 18 and 88. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Matilda
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Matilda have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Matilda
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Matilda
What does the name Matilda mean?
Matilda means “mighty in battle”. It comes from Germanic.
How do you pronounce Matilda?
Matilda is pronounced muh-TIL-duh.
How popular is the name Matilda?
Matilda was the #364 name in the US in 2025, given to 838 babies. It’s rising: up 61% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1880.
How old are people named Matilda?
Half of US adults named Matilda are older than 56. Most are between 18 and 88.