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Matilde

♀ Girl

Pronounced mah-TEEL-deh /mɑˈtil.dɛ/High

Meaning: Italian/Portuguese/Spanish form of Matilda — Germanic maht, 'might', plus hild, 'battle'High

In 30 seconds: Mighty in battle, Romance-language lovely: Matilde is the continental Matilda — strength and song in one. A queen's name, a Neruda muse.

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Origin HighGermanic, Italian

MeaningItalian/Portuguese/Spanish form of Matilda — Germanic maht, 'might', plus hild, 'battle'

U.S. rank (2025)#4948 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births27 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1927

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,220

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Matilde is the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese form of Matilda — Germanic maht, 'might', plus hild, 'battle'. Borne by medieval queens and Neruda's beloved, it blends power and grace.

In the U.S. it appears in Latin and Italian families. Rare, battle-mighty at the root, and elegant.

Did you know? Pablo Neruda wrote 100 love sonnets to his Matilde — the name pairs 'mighty in battle' with some of the tenderest poetry ever written.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Matilde — etymology

Variations

MatildaMathildeMatylda

Nicknames

TildeMati

Famous Bearers

★Matilde Serao (1856-1927)
Italian journalist and novelist, first woman to found and edit a major Italian newspaper
★Matilde Montoya (1857-1939)
Mexican physician, first woman to earn a medical degree in Mexico
★Matilde Camus (1919-2012)
Spanish poet recognized as one of the notable literary voices of Cantabria

If you like Matilde…

Matilda— the English form of the same name

Griselda— another mighty vintage classic

Adelaide— shares Matilde's Germanic roots

Adalaide— echoes that soft -de sound

Maude— shares the -de ending

Explore names like Matilde

By themegermanic italian royal

By meaningStrength Warrior

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Matilde mean?

Matilde is the Romance-language Matilda, Germanic for 'mighty in battle'.

How do you pronounce Matilde?

It's said mah-TEEL-deh /mɑˈtil.dɛ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Matilde a boy or girl name?

Matilde is a girl's name.

How popular is Matilde?

Matilde is a rare name in the U.S., popular in Italy and Portugal.