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Matilda

♀ Girl

Pronounced mah-TIL-dah /məˈtɪl.də/High

Meaning: From Old German Mahthildis, composed of 'maht' (might, strength) and 'hild' (battle) — meaning 'mighty in battle' or 'strength in battle'.High

In 30 seconds: Matilda means 'mighty in battle' — a formidable name for a formidable girl. From medieval empresses to Roald Dahl's telekinetic heroine, Matilda has always been the name of a girl with extraordinary inner power.
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Origin HighOld German
MeaningFrom Old German Mahthildis, composed of 'maht' (might, strength) and 'hild' (battle) — meaning 'mighty in battle' or 'strength in battle'.
U.S. rank (2025)#365 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births838 girls (0.05% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 37,266

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202518802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Matilda derives from the Old German Mahthildis, composed of maht (might, power) and hild (battle). The name was borne by several notable medieval women including Empress Matilda (1102–1167), the daughter of King Henry I of England who fought for the English throne in a civil war known as the Anarchy. The Normans brought Matilda to England, where it became extremely popular.

Matilda was common in medieval England, fell out of fashion in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and has experienced a spectacular revival in the twenty-first century. Roald Dahl's novel Matilda (1988) and its 1996 film and 2010 musical adaptations gave the name cultural momentum. It entered the US top 300 and is in the top 20 in Australia, where Waltzing Matilda is the unofficial national anthem.

Did you know? Roald Dahl's Matilda (1988) is one of the bestselling children's books in history, with over 17 million copies sold, and its heroine — a genius girl with telekinetic powers who stands up to tyranny — has made Matilda a globally recognized symbol of child empowerment.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name: Matilda — Old German etymology and medieval usage historySocial Security Administration Name Data — US popularity revival data

Variations

MathildaMathildeMaudeTilda

Nicknames

MattieTillieTildaMatti

Famous Bearers

  • ★Empress Matilda (1102–1167)
    Daughter of King Henry I of England and claimant to the English throne, central figure of the Anarchy.
  • ★Matilda (Roald Dahl, fictional) (1988)
    Telekinetic child genius in Roald Dahl's beloved novel, one of the most empowering characters in children's literature.

If you like Matilda…

Eleanor— three-syllable medieval royal girl's name with the same strength and vintage revival appeal
Harriet— three-syllable Victorian-era name with the same fierce, independent character and modern comeback
Josephine— four-syllable Old German name with the same medieval strength and nickname-rich Victorian heritage

Frequently Asked

What does the name Matilda mean?

Matilda means 'mighty in battle', from Old German maht (might) and hild (battle).

How do you pronounce Matilda?

Matilda is pronounced mah-TIL-dah (/məˈtɪl.də/), three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Matilda a boy or girl name?

Matilda is a girl's name with a long unbroken feminine tradition.

How popular is Matilda?

Matilda is in the US top 300 and the top 20 in Australia, experiencing a strong twenty-first century revival.