Matilda
Matilda: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /məˈtɪldə/
Meaning and origin of Matilda
Root meaning: “Matilda”
- A female given name from the Germanic languages.
Etymology
From Middle English Matilda, from Old French Mathilde, from Old High German Mahthilt, Mehthilt, from Proto-West Germanic *Mahtihild, from Proto-Germanic *Mahtihildiz; compare German Mechthild, Old English Mæþhild (“Matilda”).
How popular is Matilda?
Since 1880, 37,270 girls and 10 boys in the U.S. have been named Matilda (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #101 in 1880. Its highest rank for boys was #1036 in 1885. In 2025 it ranked #365 for girls, with 838 babies given the name.
Names similar to Matilda
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Germanic girl names
Sibling name ideas for Matilda
Sister and brother names that share Matilda's Germanic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Matilda FAQ
What does the name Matilda mean?
Matilda traces back to a root meaning "Matilda". A female given name from the Germanic languages. From Middle English Matilda, from Old French Mathilde, from Old High German Mahthilt, Mehthilt, from Proto-West Germanic *Mahtihild, from Proto-Germanic *Mahtihildiz; compare German Mechthild, Old English Mæþhild (“Matilda”).
What is the origin of the name Matilda?
Matilda is listed as a name of Germanic origin.
How popular is the name Matilda?
Since 1880, 37,270 girls and 10 boys in the U.S. have been named Matilda (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #101 in 1880. Its highest rank for boys was #1036 in 1885. In 2025 it ranked #365 for girls, with 838 babies given the name.
Is Matilda a boy or girl name?
Matilda is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 37,270 girls and 10 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.