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Tilden

♂ Boy

Pronounced TIL-den /ˈtɪl.dən/High

Meaning: From Old English, a surname derived from a place name meaning 'fertile valley' or 'tilled dene (valley),' from Old English tilian ('to till,' 'to cultivate') and denu ('valley')Medium

In 30 seconds: An Old English surname-name meaning 'fertile valley,' Tilden has a sturdy, grounded feel. As a given name it carries the presidential connection to Samuel J. Tilden and the tennis legend Bill Tilden.
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Origin HighOld English
MeaningFrom Old English, a surname derived from a place name meaning 'fertile valley' or 'tilled dene (valley),' from Old English tilian ('to till,' 'to cultivate') and denu ('valley')
U.S. rank (2024)#3141 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births39 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,304

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202418802024

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

History & Origin

Tilden originated as an English surname derived from a place name. The elements are likely Old English tilian ('to till,' 'to cultivate land') and denu ('valley'), meaning 'cultivated valley' or 'fertile valley.' It was established as an English surname by the medieval period.

As a given name, Tilden is rare but carries distinguished American associations. Samuel J. Tilden was a prominent New York governor and presidential candidate. Bill Tilden (1893–1953) was the greatest American tennis player of the early 20th century, winning seven U.S. championships and three Wimbledon titles.

Did you know? Samuel J. Tilden (1814–1886) won the popular vote in the 1876 U.S. presidential election but lost the electoral college in one of the most disputed elections in American history — giving the name Tilden a place in the most dramatic chapter of 19th-century American politics.
Overall data confidence 82%
Oxford Dictionary of English Surnames — Tilden — Old English place-name originBritannica — Bill Tilden — Tennis champion biographical notes

Variations

TildonTillyTill

Nicknames

TilTilly

Famous Bearers

  • ★Samuel J. Tilden (1814–1886)
    American politician and Governor of New York who was the Democratic presidential candidate in the disputed 1876 U.S. election.

If you like Tilden…

Holden— Old English -den surname-name with the same sturdy feel
Walden— Old English -den place-name, literary and outdoorsy
Hayden— Old English -den surname-name popular in the same era
Weston— Old English place-name surname with similar wholesome American appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Tilden mean?

Tilden means 'fertile valley' or 'tilled valley,' from Old English tilian (to till) and denu (valley).

How do you pronounce Tilden?

Tilden is pronounced TIL-den (/ˈtɪl.dən/), two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Tilden a boy or girl name?

Tilden is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Tilden?

Tilden is a rare given name with strong historical associations, suitable for parents who love distinctive surname-style names.