Tilly

♀ Girl

Pronounced TIL-ee /ˈtɪl.iː/High

Meaning: Short form of Matilda, from Old High German Mahthildis, composed of maht (might, power, strength) and hild (battle); meaning mighty in battleHigh

In 30 seconds: Tilly is a charming Old English diminutive of Matilda, the Germanic battle name meaning mighty in battle, that has enjoyed a resurgence in the United Kingdom and Australia as a vintage short form with fresh, playful energy.

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Origin HighGermanic, English

MeaningShort form of Matilda, from Old High German Mahthildis, composed of maht (might, power, strength) and hild (battle); meaning mighty in battle

U.S. rank (2025)#885 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births302 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,697

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Tilly is a diminutive of Matilda, itself from Old High German Mahthildis, a compound of maht (might, power) and hild (battle). Matilda was brought to England by the Normans — it was the name of William the Conqueror's queen — and became common in medieval England. The short forms Maud, Tilda, Tillie, and Tilly developed as affectionate pet forms. Tilly in particular took hold in the 19th century as a warm, friendly nickname.

Tilly experienced a major revival in the United Kingdom and Australia from the 2000s onward, riding the same wave as Millie, Ellie, Lily, and Poppy — short, sweet -y ending names with Victorian-era roots. In England and Wales it consistently ranks among the top 100 girls names. In the United States it is less common but growing, appreciated for its vintage British charm. Tilly can stand alone as a given name or serve as a nickname for Matilda, Ottilie, Clotilde, or Ottilia.

Did you know? Waltzing Matilda, Australia's unofficial national anthem, uses Matilda as a slang term for a swagman's bundle of belongings (a bedroll), not as a girl's name at all — yet the song has kept both Matilda and its short form Tilly culturally prominent in Australia for over a century.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Matilda — root name etymologyOffice for National Statistics (UK) — baby names — popularity data

Variations

TillieMatildaTilda

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Tilly…

Millie— two-syllable -ie/-y diminutive name with the same Victorian-revival feminine appeal

Lilly— two-syllable floral name with the same simple, sweet British charm

Molly— two-syllable classic diminutive girls name with the same enduring English warmth

Nellie— vintage -ie/-y short form with the same cheerful 19th-century English character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Tilly mean?

Tilly is a short form of Matilda, which comes from Old High German meaning might in battle — combining power and strength.

How do you pronounce Tilly?

It is said TIL-ee — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Tilly a full name or just a nickname?

Tilly can be given as a full first name or used as a nickname for Matilda, Tilda, or similar names.

Is Tilly popular?

Yes, Tilly is consistently popular in the United Kingdom and Australia and is growing in use in the United States.