Matilda Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Matilda Name Meaning

Fact: Matilda is a name with royal roots, most notably associated with Empress Matilda, the daughter of King Henry I of England and a key figure in the 12th-century civil war known as The Anarchy.

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A Deep Dive

Matilda Overview

Meaning

Mighty in battle, strength in battle

Gender

Girl

Origin

Germanic

Etymology

Derived from the Old Germanic words “maht” meaning “might” and “hild” meaning “battle.”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/məˈtɪldə/

Popularity

Matilda is cherished in many countries, especially in English-speaking nations and parts of Europe. In the USA, Matilda ranked as the 466th most popular name for girls in 2023​

Syllable

3 syllables

Length

7 letters

Numerology

6 (Nurturing, Responsible, Balanced)

Name Styles

Classic, Vintage, Strong

Associated Traits

Brave, independent, artistic, resilient

Name Day

March 14th (Hungary), March 11th (Poland), July 14th (Sweden), March 27th (Germany)
A Deep Dive

Matilda Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Mathilde, Matilde, Mafalda, Mathilda

Common Nicknames

Tilly, Maud, Tilde, Maddie

Diminutives

Tilda, Tillie, Mattie

Famous People

  • Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones
    (African-American Opera Singer)
  • Matilda Battersby
    (British Journalist)
  • Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz
    (Italian Actress)
  • Matilda Ramsay
    (British Chef)
  • Matilda De Angelis
    (Italian Actress)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Matilda Wormwood
    ("Matilda," Film)
  • "Matilda"
    (Novel by Roald Dahl)
  • Matilda
    ("Leon: The Professional," Film)
  • Matilda de Braose
    ("Matilda," Historical Novel)
  • "Matilda the Musical"
    (Stage Production)
  • "The Tale of Matilda"
    (Animated Series)
  • "Matilda's Secret"
    (TV Series)

Places

  • Matilda Bay
    (Perth, Western Australia, Australia)

What Is the Meaning of Matilda?

Matilda means “mighty in battle.” Those with this name are often thought to be strong, brave, and determined.

What Is the Origin of The Name Matilda?

Matilda has roots in Old German, derived from the words “maht” meaning “might” and “hild” meaning “battle.” It became popular in England through the Norman Conquest.

Matilda Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Matilda in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#4662021#4142022#4372023
Top 3 Rankings#1001880#1031882#1041886

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Matilda

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023437
(-23 from 2022)
706
(-52 from 2022)
0.04036
2022414
(+52 from 2021)
758
(+86 from 2021)
0.04227
2021466
(+12 from 2020)
672
(+34 from 2020)
0.03751
2020478
(-31 from 2019)
638
(-58 from 2019)
0.03609
2019447
(+42 from 2018)
696
(+54 from 2018)
0.03793
2018489
(+32 from 2017)
642
(+43 from 2017)
0.03452
2017521
(-25 from 2016)
599
(-31 from 2016)
0.03171
2016496
(+38 from 2015)
630
(+47 from 2015)
0.03254
2015534
(+47 from 2014)
583
(+60 from 2014)
0.02988
2014581
(+66 from 2013)
523
(+86 from 2013)
0.02673
2013647
(+10 from 2012)
437
(+5 from 2012)
0.02267
2012657
(+113 from 2011)
432
(+79 from 2011)
0.02227
2011770
(+27 from 2010)
353
(+10 from 2010)
0.01822
2010797
(-37 from 2009)
343
(-32 from 2009)
0.01749
2009760
(+65 from 2008)
375
(+31 from 2008)
0.01852
2008825
(+408 from 2007)
344
(+143 from 2007)
0.01652
20071233
(+73 from 2006)
201
(+22 from 2006)
0.00950
20061306
(+318 from 2005)
179
(+55 from 2005)
0.00856
20051624
(+348 from 2004)
124
(+30 from 2004)
0.00611
20041972
(-186 from 2003)
94
(-11 from 2003)
0.00466
20031786
(-133 from 2002)
105
(-6 from 2002)
0.00523
20021653
(+124 from 2001)
111
(+11 from 2001)
0.00562
20011777
(+312 from 2000)
100
(+22 from 2000)
0.00505
20002089
(-16 from 1999)
78
(+4 from 1999)
0.00391
19992073
(-352 from 1998)
74
(-18 from 1998)
0.00380
19981721
(+95 from 1997)
92
(+10 from 1997)
0.00475
19971816
(+814 from 1996)
82
(+35 from 1996)
0.00429
19962630
(+156 from 1995)
47
(+4 from 1995)
0.00245
19952786
(+382 from 1994)
43
(+7 from 1994)
0.00224
19943168
(+820 from 1993)
36
(+10 from 1993)
0.00185
19933988
(-308 from 1992)
26
(-3 from 1992)
0.00132
19923680
(-47 from 1991)
29
No change from 1991
0.00145
19913633
(+79 from 1990)
29
(+1 from 1990)
0.00143
19903712
(-40 from 1989)
28
(+1 from 1989)
0.00136
19893672
(-805 from 1988)
27
(-9 from 1988)
0.00136
19882867
(-88 from 1987)
36
(+1 from 1987)
0.00187
19872779
(+680 from 1986)
35
(+10 from 1986)
0.00187
19863459
(-711 from 1985)
25
(-9 from 1985)
0.00135
19852748
(-18 from 1984)
34
(+1 from 1984)
0.00184
19842730
(-214 from 1983)
33
(-3 from 1983)
0.00183
19832516
(-551 from 1982)
36
(-17 from 1982)
0.00201
19821965
(+377 from 1981)
53
(+11 from 1981)
0.00292
19812342
(+144 from 1980)
42
(+4 from 1980)
0.00235
19802486
(-612 from 1979)
38
(-18 from 1979)
0.00213
19791874
(+516 from 1978)
56
(+19 from 1978)
0.00325
19782390
(-615 from 1977)
37
(-20 from 1977)
0.00225
19771775
(-28 from 1976)
57
(+3 from 1976)
0.00347
19761747
(-220 from 1975)
54
(-12 from 1975)
0.00344
19751527
(-63 from 1974)
66
(-2 from 1974)
0.00423
19741464
(+32 from 1973)
68
(+5 from 1973)
0.00434
19731496
(-24 from 1972)
63
(-2 from 1972)
0.00405
19721472
(-67 from 1971)
65
(-10 from 1971)
0.00403
19711405
(-85 from 1970)
75
(-5 from 1970)
0.00428
19701320
(-44 from 1969)
80
(+3 from 1969)
0.00437
19691276
(-21 from 1968)
77
(+1 from 1968)
0.00437
19681255
(+69 from 1967)
76
(+8 from 1967)
0.00445
19671324
(-188 from 1966)
68
(-19 from 1966)
0.00396
19661136
(-57 from 1965)
87
(-7 from 1965)
0.00496
19651079
(-147 from 1964)
94
(-33 from 1964)
0.00514
1964932
(+7 from 1963)
127
(+1 from 1963)
0.00649
1963939
(+136 from 1962)
126
(+25 from 1962)
0.00634
19621075
(-19 from 1961)
101
(-7 from 1961)
0.00498
19611056
(-76 from 1960)
108
(-11 from 1960)
0.00520
1960980
(-30 from 1959)
119
(-3 from 1959)
0.00572
1959950
(+51 from 1958)
122
(+14 from 1958)
0.00587
19581001
(+66 from 1957)
108
(+13 from 1957)
0.00523
19571067
(-119 from 1956)
95
(-18 from 1956)
0.00453
1956948
(-65 from 1955)
113
(-8 from 1955)
0.00549
1955883
(+22 from 1954)
121
(+8 from 1954)
0.00604
1954905
(-34 from 1953)
113
(-3 from 1953)
0.00568
1953871
(-46 from 1952)
116
(-6 from 1952)
0.00601
1952825
(-46 from 1951)
122
(-7 from 1951)
0.00641
1951779
(-56 from 1950)
129
(-11 from 1950)
0.00698
1950723
(-1 from 1949)
140
(+2 from 1949)
0.00796
1949722
(+6 from 1948)
138
(+3 from 1948)
0.00786
1948728
(+16 from 1947)
135
(+3 from 1947)
0.00775
1947744
(-33 from 1946)
132
(+3 from 1946)
0.00726
1946711
(+108 from 1945)
129
(+44 from 1945)
0.00800
1945819
(-142 from 1944)
85
(-36 from 1944)
0.00631
1944677
(-4 from 1943)
121
(-6 from 1943)
0.00885
1943673
(-20 from 1942)
127
(-4 from 1942)
0.00885
1942653
(-33 from 1941)
131
(+1 from 1941)
0.00942
1941620
(-66 from 1940)
130
(-25 from 1940)
0.01043
1940554
(+37 from 1939)
155
(+27 from 1939)
0.01312
1939591
(-39 from 1938)
128
(-24 from 1938)
0.01129
1938552
(-45 from 1937)
152
(-16 from 1937)
0.01332
1937507
(-50 from 1936)
168
(-28 from 1936)
0.01525
1936457
No change from 1935
196
(+2 from 1935)
0.01819
1935457
No change from 1934
194
(-7 from 1934)
0.01785
1934457
(+7 from 1933)
201
(+1 from 1933)
0.01857
1933464
(-54 from 1932)
200
(-51 from 1932)
0.01912
1932410
(+5 from 1931)
251
(+12 from 1931)
0.02269
1931415
(-25 from 1930)
239
(-65 from 1930)
0.02165
1930390
(-36 from 1929)
304
(-38 from 1929)
0.02606
1929354
(-18 from 1928)
342
(-54 from 1928)
0.02955
1928336
(-8 from 1927)
396
(-23 from 1927)
0.03312
1927328
(-5 from 1926)
419
(+2 from 1926)
0.03389
1926323
(-19 from 1925)
417
(-57 from 1925)
0.03390
1925304
(-17 from 1924)
474
(-57 from 1924)
0.03753
1924287
(-17 from 1923)
531
(-39 from 1923)
0.04098
1923270
(-11 from 1922)
570
(-56 from 1922)
0.04551
1922259
(+14 from 1921)
626
(+20 from 1921)
0.05018
1921273
(-12 from 1920)
606
(-29 from 1920)
0.04735
1920261
(-8 from 1919)
635
(-10 from 1919)
0.05104
1919253
(-10 from 1918)
645
(-45 from 1918)
0.05491
1918243
(-4 from 1917)
690
(+5 from 1917)
0.05739
1917239
(+1 from 1916)
685
(+20 from 1916)
0.06096
1916240
(-9 from 1915)
665
(-17 from 1915)
0.06125
1915231
(+9 from 1914)
682
(+188 from 1914)
0.06661
1914240
(-10 from 1913)
494
(+62 from 1913)
0.06201
1913230
(-7 from 1912)
432
(+34 from 1912)
0.06596
1912223
(-2 from 1911)
398
(+77 from 1911)
0.06784
1911221
(+6 from 1910)
321
(+40 from 1910)
0.07265
1910227
(-23 from 1909)
281
(+1 from 1909)
0.06698
1909204
(-8 from 1908)
280
(-4 from 1908)
0.07607
1908196
(-23 from 1907)
284
(-38 from 1907)
0.08011
1907173
No change from 1906
322
(+27 from 1906)
0.09543
1906173
(+14 from 1905)
295
(+27 from 1905)
0.09412
1905187
(-15 from 1904)
268
(-17 from 1904)
0.08649
1904172
(+15 from 1903)
285
(+40 from 1903)
0.09746
1903187
(-22 from 1902)
245
(-45 from 1902)
0.08807
1902165
No change from 1901
290
(+15 from 1901)
0.10345
1901165
(-4 from 1900)
275
(-73 from 1900)
0.10817
1900161
(-12 from 1899)
348
(+36 from 1899)
0.10952
1899149
(-5 from 1898)
312
(-37 from 1898)
0.12607
1898144
(+2 from 1897)
349
(+23 from 1897)
0.12730
1897146
(-5 from 1896)
326
(-13 from 1896)
0.13131
1896141
(-6 from 1895)
339
No change from 1895
0.13453
1895135
(+13 from 1894)
339
(+44 from 1894)
0.13719
1894148
(-18 from 1893)
295
(-33 from 1893)
0.12501
1893130
(-1 from 1892)
328
(-4 from 1892)
0.14563
1892129
(-9 from 1891)
332
(-4 from 1891)
0.14761
1891120
(+13 from 1890)
336
(+43 from 1890)
0.17093
1890133
(-15 from 1889)
293
(-27 from 1889)
0.14529
1889118
(-6 from 1888)
320
(-8 from 1888)
0.16912
1888112
(+2 from 1887)
328
(+62 from 1887)
0.17314
1887114
(-10 from 1886)
266
(-43 from 1886)
0.17115
1886104
(+3 from 1885)
309
(+49 from 1885)
0.20100
1885107
(+1 from 1884)
260
(+16 from 1884)
0.18317
1884108
(+16 from 1883)
244
(+77 from 1883)
0.17734
1883124
(-21 from 1882)
167
(-75 from 1882)
0.13910
1882103
(+3 from 1881)
242
(+55 from 1881)
0.20917
1881106
(-6 from 1880)
187
(-23 from 1880)
0.18917
1880100
First SSA data recorded
210
First SSA data recorded
0.21515

American States Popularity Rankings for Matilda

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#3812021#4842022#3892023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#4262021#4512022#5812023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#5262021#4632022#5492023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#7112021#6582022#6872023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#3292021#3332022#3262023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#6682021#5962022#4122023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#3722021#4292022#3142023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#2852021#1962022#3472023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#7162021#4952022#3952023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#3152021#3202022#5302023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#4472021#3862022#4712023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#5832021#11432022#8062023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#4082021#4572022#5522023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#2012021#1952022#2292023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#7982021#6802022#6152023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#2942021#3552022#3722023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#7672021#3312022#4972023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#9312021#7172022#5072023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#3012021#2882022#3322023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#5412021#2192022#2752023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#4691959#5331962#5711964

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#9252020#9592021#6152022

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#6182021#5232022#5582023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#4562021#3932022#2802023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#4762021#4902022#3002023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#3402021#2042022#2982023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#6222021#5472022#6752023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#4432020#4122022#3542023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#2192021#1922022#2202023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#4802021#3352022#2482023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#4302020#4192021#3422023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#3891978#4882010#4122017

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#2562021#2102022#2832023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#6132019#6932022#5192023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#3961937#4311950#2792016

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#3442021#2912022#3372023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1981931#1101933#2241943

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#6222016#4072019#3172022

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1791926#1801927#2032022

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1612021#1912022#2442023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2241920#2401921#2181928

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#1542019#2382020#1692022

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1282018#2172019#1362022

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3402020#3532022#3652023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#4442014#5972020#4712023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#2132013#2142015#2482019

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#2332011#2312017#2112020

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1441960#1582021

Popularity Rankings for Matilda in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Medieval England

Medieval England flagMedieval England#41377-1381

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#92021#82022#102023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#212021#312022#272023

Popularity in Finland

Finland flagFinland#262021#352022#282023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#302019#292020#282021

Popularity in Chile

Chile flagChile#322019#382020#442021

Popularity in Argentina

Argentina flagArgentina#462013#422014#442015

Popularity in Austria

Austria flagAustria#662020#822021#702022

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#1212021#872022#1022023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#1082021#932022#1022023

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#942020#1532022#1362023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#942020#1762021#1332022

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#1042021#1282022#1222023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#2672021#1992022#1402023

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#2122021#1972022#1442023

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#2702021#3922022#3012023

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland flagIceland#3262021

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#5422020#9722021#6772022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Matilda a Name for Boys or Girls?

Typically, Matilda is given to girls. It has a soft yet powerful sound that appeals to many parents looking for a strong female name.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Matilda

Matilda in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Matilda Joslyn Gage (Suffragist, 1826–1898): An influential American suffragist and writer who fought for women's rights and abolition.
  • Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones (Singer, 1868–1933): An African-American opera singer who gained international acclaim for her powerful voice.
  • Matilda Battersby (Journalist, born 1975): A British journalist who has made significant contributions to various prominent newspapers and magazines.
  • Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz (Actress, born 1991): An Italian actress, recognized for her roles in both European and American films.
  • Matilda Ramsay (Chef, born 2001): A British chef and television personality, famous for her cooking shows and books.
  • Matilda De Angelis (Actress, born 1995): An Italian actress who has received critical acclaim for her performances in film and television.
  • Matilda Wormwood ("Matilda," 1996 Film): A young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers who stands up to her oppressive family and headmistress.
  • "Matilda" (1988 Novel by Roald Dahl): Tells the story of a brilliant girl who loves reading and discovers her telekinetic abilities.
  • Matilda ("Leon: The Professional," 1994 Film): A young girl who forms an unlikely bond with a hitman after her family is murdered.
  • Matilda de Braose ("Matilda," 1978 Historical Novel): Chronicles the life and struggles of a noblewoman in medieval England.
  • "Matilda the Musical" (2011 Stage Production): A musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel, featuring songs by Tim Minchin.
  • "The Tale of Matilda" (2002 Animated Series): Follows the adventures of a young girl in a magical world.
  • "Matilda's Secret" (2015 TV Series): A drama about a woman uncovering hidden truths about her past.
  • Matilda Bay (Perth, Western Australia, Australia): A scenic bay along the Swan River featuring picnic areas and boat facilities.
  • Matilda Park (Toronto, Ontario, Canada): A community park offering playgrounds and green spaces in a suburban neighborhood.
  • Matilda Street (Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England): A street in the city center with a mix of residential and commercial buildings.
  • Matilda Lake (Queensland, Australia): A freshwater lake popular for bird watching and recreational activities.
  • Matilda Canyon (Utah, USA): A picturesque canyon offering hiking trails and breathtaking views.
  • Matilda Creek (Alaska, USA): A small creek surrounded by pristine wilderness and wildlife habitats.
  • Matilda Bridge (Vienna, Austria): A historic bridge crossing the Danube River with beautiful architectural design.

Similar Names to Matilda

  • Matrika
  • Mattea
  • Matrina
  • Maddalena

Sibling Names for Matilda

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