Matilda: Meaning, Origin & Everything You Need to Know
Matilda is a Germanic name meaning 'mighty in battle'.
At a Glance
- Pronunciation
- muh-TIL-duhməˈtɪl.də
- Origin
- Germanic
- Meaning
- Matilda is a Germanic name meaning 'mighty in battle'.
- Gender
- Girl's name
- Syllables
- 3
- Nicknames
- Tilly, Mattie, Tilda, Maddie
- US Popularity (2025)
- #364 — 📈 Rising
What Does Matilda Mean?
Matilda comes from the Old German name Mathilde, built from maht, meaning 'might' or 'strength', and hild, meaning 'battle'. It was brought to England by the Normans: Matilda of Flanders was the wife of William the Conqueror, and their granddaughter Empress Matilda fought a long civil war for the English throne in the twelfth century.
The name has a bookish, spirited reputation thanks to Roald Dahl's 'Matilda', the clever young heroine who discovers she has telekinetic powers, and the stage musical based on it. It was rare in the US for decades, but has risen steadily and offers the friendly nicknames Tilly and Mattie.
How Popular Is Matilda?
Matilda has climbed from #534 in 2015 to #364 in 2025 as vintage names return.
Source: US Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name data, ssa.gov/oact/babynames, 2025.
Middle Names That Go with Matilda
Classic pairings
- Matilda Rose
- Matilda Grace
- Matilda Jane
- Matilda Elizabeth
Modern pairings
- Matilda Wren
- Matilda Juniper
- Matilda Wilder
- Matilda Sage
One-syllable options
- Matilda Claire
- Matilda Faith
- Matilda Belle
- Matilda Mae
Family-name bridges
- Matilda Marie
- Matilda Ann
- Matilda Louise
- Matilda Catherine
Names Similar to Matilda
If you love Matilda, you might also like these names with a similar feel, origin, or sound.
Sibling Names That Go with Matilda
💙 Brother names
💗 Sister names
Famous People Named Matilda
- Empress MatildaTwelfth-century claimant to the English throne, also called Maud.
- Matilda WormwoodHeroine of Roald Dahl's children's novel 'Matilda'.
- Matilda Joslyn GageAmerican suffragist and writer of the nineteenth century.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Matilda
Is Matilda a boy or girl name?
Matilda is primarily a girl's name. It is very rarely used for boys.
How do you pronounce Matilda?
Matilda is pronounced muh-TIL-duh (IPA: məˈtɪl.də). It has 3 syllables. Common nicknames include Tilly, Mattie, Tilda, Maddie.
Is Matilda a Germanic name?
Matilda is of Germanic origin. Matilda is a Germanic name meaning 'mighty in battle'.
What does Matilda mean?
Matilda is a Germanic name meaning 'mighty in battle'.
Matilda comes from the Old German name Mathilde, built from maht, meaning 'might' or 'strength', and hild, meaning 'battle'. It was brought to England by the Normans: Matilda of Flanders was the wife of William the Conqueror, and their granddaughter Empress Matilda fought a long civil war for the English throne in the twelfth century.
Is Matilda a popular name in 2026?
Yes, Matilda is a highly popular name. It ranked #364 in the United States in 2025 according to the Social Security Administration. The name is currently trending upward. Matilda has climbed from #534 in 2015 to #364 in 2025 as vintage names return.
What are good middle names for Matilda?
Good middle names for Matilda include classic choices like Matilda Rose and Matilda Grace, modern options like Matilda Wren and Matilda Juniper, and crisp one-syllable pairings like Matilda Claire and Matilda Faith. The best middle name depends on your surname and personal style.
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