Matilda
Matilda is a girls' name of German origin meaning “mighty in battle.” It ranked #364 in the United States in 2025. From Old High German 'Mahthildis,' combining 'maht' (might, strength) and 'hild' (battle).
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how do you pronounce Matilda?
muh-TIL-duh
where does the name Matilda come from?
From the Germanic Mahthildis, built on the Old High German maht, might, and hild, battle.
It was a name of medieval queens; Roald Dahl's beloved 1988 novel and its subsequent musical have given it vibrant modern appeal.
how popular is this name?
Matilda has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 100 years since 1880, and fell outside it for 46. It peaked at #100 in 1880, and ranked #364 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #364 |
| 2024 | #410 |
| 2023 | #438 |
| 2022 | #417 |
| 2021 | #465 |
| 2020 | #478 |
| 2019 | #448 |
| 2018 | #489 |
| 2017 | #521 |
| 2016 | #496 |
| 2010 | #797 |
| 1960 | #980 |
| 1950 | #723 |
| 1940 | #554 |
| 1930 | #390 |
| 1920 | #261 |
| 1910 | #227 |
| 1900 | #161 |
| 1890 | #133 |
| 1880 | #100 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Matilda fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Matilda
Historical spellings include Martilda, Mathilda and Mathilde, and Roald Dahl's 1988 novel Matilda introduced it to a new generation of readers.
who are famous people named Matilda?
- Matilda (Roald Dahl character)
- Queen Matilda of England
- Michelle Williams's daughter Matilda
what are the nicknames and variants of Matilda?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Matilda?
what names go well with Matilda?
Sibling names that share Matilda's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Matilda
What does the name Matilda mean?
Matilda means “mighty in battle”.
What is the origin of the name Matilda?
Matilda comes from the German naming tradition. Related forms include Martilda, Mathilda, Mathilde and Mechthild.
How popular is the name Matilda?
Matilda ranked #364 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1880, at #100, and it has spent 100 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Matilda a boy or girl name?
Matilda is primarily a girls' name.
How do you pronounce Matilda?
Matilda is pronounced muh-TIL-duh, with 3 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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