Meaning
Mighty in battle, battle-mighty
Origin
Germanic
Gender
Girl / Female
Pronunciation
muh-TIL-duh
Name story
What Matilda communicates
Matilda is a girl name of Germanic origin meaning "Mighty in battle, battle-mighty". That gives it a clear, rooted emotional tone that is easy to connect with and quick to remember.
It is pronounced muh-TIL-duh and sits at a popularity score of 40/100 in our index, which suggests how widely it is chosen today. Names in this range tend to appeal to parents who want something recognizable yet still distinctive.
If Matilda feels close but not quite right, the related names and theme links below lead to options that share its Germanic heritage or its core idea of "Mighty in battle, battle-mighty". Comparing a few side by side is the easiest way to settle on the name that fits your family best.
Famous People Named Matilda
- MMatilda (Roald Dahl)
- EEmpress Matilda
Names with Similar Meanings
Names that share similar themes and meanings with Matilda
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Matilda mean?
The name Matilda means "Mighty in battle, battle-mighty". It is a name of Germanic origin that has been carried across many cultures and generations. The meaning reflects qualities valued in Germanic naming tradition, which is part of why parents who want a name with a clear, positive sense often choose Matilda.
What is the origin of the name Matilda?
Matilda originates from Germanic. Names of Germanic origin tend to carry deep historical and cultural significance, shaped by language, religion, and tradition over centuries. Matilda fits that pattern: its roots give it the meaning "Mighty in battle, battle-mighty" and connect it to a long lineage of related names that share the same heritage.
Is Matilda a popular name?
Matilda appears on baby-name popularity charts across many English-speaking countries. Its usage has shifted across generations, rising and falling with cultural moments, famous bearers, and naming trends. You can see where Matilda sits relative to other names on its popularity score above, and compare it with similar names in the same style.
What names are similar to Matilda?
Names similar to Matilda include those with shared origins, related meanings, or a similar sound and rhythm. The related names and similar-meaning sections above list strong alternatives, so if you love Matilda but want options, you can explore names that carry the same Germanic heritage or the same idea of "Mighty in battle, battle-mighty".
How do you pronounce Matilda?
Matilda is pronounced "muh-TIL-duh". Pronunciation can vary slightly by region and language, but this guide reflects the most common way the name Matilda is said.
Is Matilda a boy or a girl name?
Matilda is most commonly used as a girl name. Like many names it can cross gender lines depending on culture, era, and family preference, but its Germanic roots and traditional usage are reflected on this page. If you want a clearly gender-neutral option, browse our unisex names for alternatives.
What does the name Matilda symbolize?
The name Matilda symbolizes "Mighty in battle, battle-mighty". That theme gives Matilda a distinct emotional tone that many parents connect with, and it links the name to a wider family of names built on the same idea. Exploring names that share the meaning "Mighty in battle, battle-mighty" is a good way to find alternatives with a similar feeling.
Is Matilda a good baby name?
Matilda is a meaningful choice: it carries the meaning "Mighty in battle, battle-mighty", has clear Germanic heritage, and a recognizable pronunciation. Whether it is the right baby name depends on your taste, family traditions, and how it pairs with your surname.