Matilda: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Matilda is a female name of Germanic origin, meaning "strength in battle". With roots in medieval European royalty, it has experienced a dramatic resurgence in recent decades after nearly disappearing from use.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germanic |
| Meaning | Strength in battle, mighty in war |
| Gender | Female |
| Pronunciation | mə-TIL-də |
Etymology of Matilda
Matilda derives from the Germanic elements maht ("might, strength") and hild ("battle"), traditionally interpreted as meaning "strength in battle" or "mighty in war".
The name entered the English-speaking world through Norman French as Mahault or Maud, following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The original Germanic form Mathilda was brought to England by Matilda of Flanders, wife of William the Conqueror, establishing it as a name of royal prestige.
Over centuries, the name evolved into both the shorter form Maud (dominant in medieval England) and the full form Matilda, which was revived during the 19th century as part of the Victorian interest in medieval names. The Germanic components reflect the warrior culture of early medieval Europe, where names often invoked martial strength regardless of gender.
History of Matilda
Origins and Early Use
Matilda first gained prominence in 11th-century England through two powerful queens: Matilda of Flanders (c. 1031-1083) and her granddaughter Empress Matilda (1102-1167), who fought a civil war for the English throne. These royal associations established Matilda as a name of nobility and political power throughout medieval Europe.
Rise to Popularity
The name experienced multiple waves of popularity across different eras:
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1066-1200 | Norman Conquest, Empress Matilda's reign | Established as royal name in England |
| 1840s-1900 | Victorian medievalism revival | Resurgence as full form "Matilda" alongside traditional "Maud" |
| 1988 | Roald Dahl's "Matilda" published, later adapted to film (1996) | Cultural touchstone associating name with intelligence and resilience |
| 2010-present | Vintage name revival trend | Sharp rise in US and UK, especially after 2010 musical adaptation |
Modern Usage
After declining to near-extinction in the 1980s (ranking #2518 in the US), Matilda has experienced one of the most dramatic revivals of any traditional name. By 2024, it reached #410 in US rankings with 769 births, representing a twentyfold increase from its low point.
The name is particularly popular in Australia and the UK, where it frequently ranks in the top 50. Modern parents tend to choose Matilda for its literary associations, vintage charm, and the balance it strikes between being recognizable yet uncommon in their generation.
Key insight: This name rose because of royal prestige in medieval times, declined as naming fashions shifted toward shorter, modern forms, and revived as parents sought literary, distinctive names with historical weight.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Matilda when they want to convey intelligence, independence, and quiet strength, especially in contexts involving literary culture, vintage aesthetics, or a desire to honor European heritage without choosing overly common names.
Variants of Matilda
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Maud, Maude | Medieval shortened form, still used independently |
| French | Mathilde | Standard French form |
| German | Mathilde | Original Germanic spelling |
| Italian | Matilde | Italian variant, omits "h" |
| Spanish | Matilde | Standard Spanish form |
| Dutch | Machteld | Preserves original Germanic elements more directly |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Mattie, Matty, Tillie, Tilly, Maud, Maudie
Similar Names
- Mathilde - French/German spelling variant
- Maud - Medieval English form, shares same root
- Beatrice - Similar vintage revival pattern and literary associations
- Theodora - Another long, classical name with strong meaning
Matilda Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #161 | 348 |
| 1920s | #261 | 635 |
| 1940s | #555 | 155 |
| 1960s | #983 | 119 |
| 1980s | #2518 | 38 |
| 2000s | #2097 | 78 |
| 2020s | #478 | 639 |
| 2024s | #410 | 769 |
Peak: 1880, ranked #101 (210 births)
Current (2024): #410 (769 births)
Trend analysis: Matilda's resurgence correlates directly with the 1996 film adaptation and 2010 musical of Roald Dahl's novel, coupled with the broader "grandma chic" naming trend favoring Victorian-era names. Its rise mirrors similar revivals of names like Eleanor, Hazel, and Clara.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Matilda as a Username
Availability
"matilda" as a username is moderately available on major platforms due to the name's relative rarity among current internet users (most Matildas are either very old or very young). However, common variations may still be taken on popular services.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | matilda | Professional profiles, traditional platforms |
| With numbers | matilda99, matilda23 | Gaming, general social media |
| Abbreviated | mattie, tilly | Casual platforms, where brevity matters |
| Stylized | xmatilda, matildax, mtilda | Creative accounts, preserves recognizability |
Digital Impression
Matilda as an ID tends to project:
- Literary sophistication - because of strong association with Roald Dahl's intelligent protagonist
- Vintage charm - because it evokes Victorian/Edwardian era without being overly common
- European heritage - because of its Germanic roots and continued popularity in UK/Australia
Best for: Creative professional profiles, book clubs, educational contexts, vintage aesthetic accounts
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want something shorter and more modern-sounding.
Is Matilda good for a username?
Matilda works well as a username if you value literary associations and vintage charm. Due to its moderate popularity (not in top 100), you have a reasonable chance of securing the base form on many platforms, though variations like "mattie" or "tilly" may offer better availability while preserving the name's character.
FAQ
What does Matilda mean?
Matilda means "strength in battle" or "mighty in war" from the Germanic elements maht (strength) and hild (battle).
Is Matilda popular?
According to SSA data, Matilda ranks #410 in the US (2024). It is rising steadily after being nearly extinct in the 1980s, part of a broader vintage name revival.
What are nicknames for Matilda?
Common nicknames: Mattie, Matty, Tillie, Tilly, Maud, Maudie.
Is Matilda a boy's or girl's name?
Matilda is traditionally a female name, though its meaning of "battle strength" reflects the gender-neutral warrior culture of medieval Germanic naming.
How do you pronounce Matilda?
Matilda is pronounced mə-TIL-də (muh-TIL-duh). Australian English sometimes emphasizes the first syllable slightly more: MAH-til-da.
Is Matilda good for a username?
Matilda works well as a username if you value literary associations and vintage sophistication, though you may need variations like "mattie" or "tilly" on highly popular platforms.
Related Names
- Maud - Medieval short form of Matilda, same Germanic root
- Beatrice - Similar vintage revival pattern, literary heritage
- Theodora - Another long classical name meaning "gift of God", shares vintage-sophisticated appeal
- Tilly - Nickname form often used independently, preferred for casual digital IDs
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name Last updated: February 2026