Matilda

muh-TIHL-duh

Matilda derives from the Germanic Mahthildis, composed of maht (“might, strength”) and hild (“battle”). The name means “mighty in battle” - a warrior’s name for a strong girl.

US Rank 2024
No. 410
Births
769

Queen Matilda of England (1102 - 1167) fought a civil war for her crown. The name was common in medieval Europe and was borne by several queens and empresses.

Matilda ranked No. 410 in 2024 with 769 births. It peaked at No. 101 in 1880 with 210 births - a small number by modern standards, showing how much the naming landscape has expanded.

What the name Matilda means

Roald Dahl’s novel Matilda (1988) and its film adaptation gave the name a beloved literary identity. The 2022 musical film brought it to a new generation.

Three syllables - muh-TIL-duh - have a sturdy, vintage charm. The name feels substantial and grounded, with none of the flimsiness of trendier choices.

Parents are rediscovering Matilda for its meaning, its literary connections, and its nickname potential. Tilly, Mattie, and Tilda all offer playful alternatives.

US popularity over time

Numerology and symbolism

Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.

M(4) + A(1) + T(2) + I(9) + L(3) + D(4) + A(1) = 24 = 6
Destiny number
6
Nurturing
Sum of all letters, reduced to a single digit
Soul urge
11
Illumination
Sum of vowels only - reveals inner desires
Expression
4
Reliability
Sum of consonants - how others perceive you
Letters 7
Vowels / consonants 3 / 4
Birthstone Sapphire
Lucky color Indigo

Famous people named Matilda

Matilda Hays (b. 1820) Actor and performer (1820-1897)
Matilda Hays (b. 1820) Actor and performer (1820-1897)
Matilda Hays (b. 1820) Actor and performer (1820-1897)
Matilda Lutz (b. 1991) Actor and performer (born 1991)
Matilda Lutz (b. 1991) Actor and performer (born 1991)
Matilda Lutz (b. 1991) Actor and performer (born 1991)
Matilda Ernkrans (b. 1973) Politician and public official (born 1973)
Matilda Ernkrans (b. 1973) Politician and public official (born 1973)
Matilda Ernkrans (b. 1973) Politician and public official (born 1973)

Matilda - similar names

Emma
From Old High German “ermen” meaning whole or universal; cog...
Amelia
From Old Germanic “amal” (labor, vigor), meaning industrious...
Evelyn
From Norman French “Aveline”, derived from Old Germanic “ava...
Harper
From Old English “hearpere” meaning harp player; originally ...
Elizabeth
From Hebrew “Elisheba”: “eli” (my God) + “sheva” (oath or ab...
Hazel
From Old English “haesel” meaning the hazel shrub (Corylus a...
Lily
From Latin “lilium” meaning the lily flower; a floral name s...
Emily
From Latin “Aemilia”, feminine of the Roman family name Aemi...
Scarlett
From Old French “escarlate” meaning bright red cloth; origin...
Ella
From Old High German “alia” meaning all or completely; also ...
Avery
From Old English “Ælfríc” meaning ruler of elves, via Norman...
Mila
From Slavic “mil” meaning gracious, dear, or pleasant; a sho...

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Researched by MyGall Research · Updated April 15, 2026
Girl English Germanic 3 syllables mighty in battle

Where it ranks highest

OR No. 148 AK No. 166 ME No. 169 RI No. 202 DC No. 211 MT No. 211 ND No. 218 HI No. 224 WI No. 233 SD No. 245 NH No. 248 MN No. 253 CO No. 254 WA No. 278 MA No. 279 WV No. 281 UT No. 305 KY No. 307 MO No. 311 CT No. 319 OH No. 327 IN No. 334 MI No. 338 AR No. 344 NE No. 355 ID No. 366 MD No. 379 IL No. 390 AZ No. 392 NY No. 396 NM No. 413 CA No. 419 VA No. 436 PA No. 453 NC No. 453 KS No. 481 NJ No. 486 IA No. 490 SC No. 499 TN No. 499 OK No. 528 NV No. 559 MS No. 571 TX No. 608 LA No. 616 FL No. 639 GA No. 744 AL No. 797

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