Maud

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAWD /ˈmɔd/High

Meaning: A medieval English contraction of Matilda, from Germanic maht ('might, strength') and hild ('battle') — 'mighty in battle'. Borne by Empress Matilda, called Maud, a claimant to the English throne in the twelfth century.Medium

In 30 seconds: Maud is a genuine medieval name — the old short form of Matilda, 'mighty in battle' (said 'MAWD').

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Origin MediumEnglish, Germanic

MeaningA medieval English contraction of Matilda, from Germanic maht ('might, strength') and hild ('battle') — 'mighty in battle'. Borne by Empress Matilda, called Maud, a claimant to the English throne in the twelfth century.

U.S. rank (2024)#14595 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1886

Total births (all-time)≈ 13,159

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

Maud is the medieval English contraction of Matilda, from Germanic maht ('might') and hild ('battle') — 'mighty in battle'. Brought to England by the Normans, it was borne by Empress Matilda, remembered as Maud, and it stayed in steady use for centuries before a Victorian revival (Tennyson's poem Maud). It is a documented old name, not a word-name (said 'MAWD').

It is rare in the U.S. today but has been climbing in Europe. Rare, antique, and quietly strong.

Did you know? Empress Matilda, who fought for the English crown in the twelfth century, was known to her contemporaries as Maud — proof that this single strong syllable has been a real name for the better part of a thousand years (said 'MAWD').

Overall data confidence 60%

References — Maud — Medieval contraction of Matilda; Empress Matilda called Maud

Variations

MaudeMatildaMathilde

Nicknames

MaudieMo

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Maud…

Maude— the same name with a final e

Matilda— the full name Maud shortens

Maeve— a like short, strong vintage pick

Edith— a like antique English revival name

Explore names like Maud

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By meaningStrength Warrior

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Maud mean?

Maud is a medieval short form of Matilda, from Germanic elements meaning 'might' and 'battle' — 'mighty in battle'.

How do you pronounce Maud?

It's said MAWD /ˈmɔd/ — one syllable.

Is Maud a boy or girl name?

Maud is a girl's name.

How popular is Maud?

Maud is rare in the U.S. today, though it has been reviving in parts of Europe and reads as a stylish antique.