Meaning: Strength in battle; English pet form of Matilda or Ottilie, from Germanic Mahtildis (maht: strength + hild: battle)High
In 30 seconds: An English pet form of Matilda meaning 'strength in battle,' enjoying a sharp vintage revival alongside Millie, Nellie, and Hattie. The Edwardian freshness of Tillie makes it one of the most appealing grandma-chic choices.
MeaningStrength in battle; English pet form of Matilda or Ottilie, from Germanic Mahtildis (maht: strength + hild: battle)
U.S. rank (2024)#1236 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births189 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1915
Total births (all-time)≈ 15,558
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Tillie is an English diminutive of Matilda (Germanic Mahtildis: strength + battle) or Ottilie. Matilda was extremely popular in medieval England and among Victorian royalty. The -illie diminutive was common in 19th-century England.
Tillie peaked in the U.S. in the late 19th–early 20th century and is now reviving. It ranked #1236 for girls in 2024.
Did you know? William the Conqueror's wife was Matilda of Flanders (c.1031–1083) — and their son Henry I's wife was Matilda of Scotland. From these two medieval Matildas, the name Matilda/Tillie spread through the English nobility and became one of medieval England's most common women's names.
Overall data confidence 89%
Behind the Name — Tillie — Germanic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data
Variations
TillyMatildaOttilie
Nicknames
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Famous Bearers
Famous bearers coming soon.
If you like Tillie…
Millie— two-syllable -ie ending vintage name in the same revival wave
Nellie— two-syllable -ie ending vintage name from the same era
Hattie— two-syllable -ie ending vintage name enjoying the same revival
Billie— two-syllable -ie ending vintage name in the same tradition
Sadie— two-syllable vintage pet form in the same charming category
Frequently Asked
What does the name Tillie mean?
Tillie means 'strength in battle,' an English pet form of Matilda, from Germanic Mahtildis (maht: strength + hild: battle).
How do you pronounce Tillie?
It's said TIL-ee — two syllables, stress on the first.
