Matilda
“From Germanic 'maht' (might) and 'hild' (battle), Matilda means 'mighty in battle'—a name befitting medieval queens and saints. The full form carries substantial historical weight, evoking both regal lineage and contemporary strength. Matilda's Victorian-era fall and recent revival as a vintage-luxe choice makes it feel both timeless and modern.”
Matilda is a girl's name of Germanic origin. From Germanic 'maht' (might) and 'hild' (battle), Matilda means 'mighty in battle'—a name befitting medieval queens and saints. The full form carries substantial historical weight, evoking both regal lineage and contemporary strength. Matilda's Victorian-era fall and recent revival as a vintage-luxe choice makes it feel both timeless and modern.
A historic name experiencing a strong contemporary revival, now ranking in top 100 names in several English-speaking countries.
The name Matilda has roots in the Germanic language tradition. It derives from elements meaning “From Germanic 'maht' (might) and 'hild' (battle), Matilda means 'mighty in battle'—a name befitting medieval queens and saints”.
Cultural context: A historic name experiencing a strong contemporary revival, now ranking in top 100 names in several English-speaking countries.
As a girl's name, Matilda carries the character of its Germanic heritage while remaining a distinctive and uncommon choice for parents seeking something unique.
Matilda Winn Witts
SportsBritishOlympic javelin thrower, British track and field athlete
An accomplished British Olympic athlete and javelin thrower who represented Great Britain in international competition during the mid-20th century.
Matilda Arzner
EntertainmentAmericanPioneer female film director, 20+ Hollywood films
A pioneering Hollywood film director of the 1920s-1940s, she was one of the first female directors in cinema and directed notable films starring major Hollywood stars.
1900 – 1979
Matilda Joslyn Gage
HistoricalAmericanWomen's suffrage activist, feminist theorist, writer
An American women's rights activist and writer of the 19th century, she was a key figure in the women's suffrage movement alongside Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
1826 – 1898
Matilda of Tuscany
HistoricalItalianMedieval countess, political power broker, Investiture Controversy
A powerful medieval countess and military strategist who ruled in central Italy during the 11th century, she was a major political player in conflicts between the Papacy and Holy Roman Empire.
1046 – 1115
Matilda of Flanders
HistoricalFlemishQueen consort of England, wife of William the Conqueror
Queen consort of England and wife of William the Conqueror, she was a powerful political figure in 11th-century Norman England who bore several children who became rulers.
1031 – 1083
What does the name Matilda mean?
Matilda means "From Germanic 'maht' (might) and 'hild' (battle), Matilda means 'mighty in battle'—a name befitting medieval queens and saints. The full form carries substantial historical weight, evoking both regal lineage and contemporary strength. Matilda's Victorian-era fall and recent revival as a vintage-luxe choice makes it feel both timeless and modern.", and is of Germanic origin.
Is Matilda a girl name?
Matilda is primarily used as a girl's name.
What is the origin of the name Matilda?
Matilda is of Germanic origin. A historic name experiencing a strong contemporary revival, now ranking in top 100 names in several English-speaking countries.