Matilda

girlGermanicChristian

Matilda is a Christian girl name of Germanic origin, meaning “Mighty in battle”.

MeaningMighty in battle
GenderGirl
OriginGermanic
Pronunciationmuh-TIL-duh
TraditionChristian, Modern & Classic
Used inUnited Kingdom, Australia, Germany, United States

Meaning and origin of Matilda

Matilda comes from the old Germanic name Mahthildis, formed from maht, 'might', and hild, 'battle'. The Normans brought it to England, where William the Conqueror's wife Matilda of Flanders and the twelfth-century Empress Matilda made it a royal name. In medieval England it was often shortened to Maud. It faded for a long time before a revival in Britain and Australia, helped by Roald Dahl's novel and the Australian song 'Waltzing Matilda'.

Is Matilda a Christian name?

Matilda has no religious meaning, but several medieval saints bore it, including Saint Matilda of Ringelheim, a German queen known for her charity, so it has a long Christian history.

How popular is Matilda?

Popular in Britain and Australia in recent years and steadily rising in the United States.

Gifts with the name Matilda

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Spellings and variants of Matilda

MathildeMathildaMatyldaMaudTilda

Names similar to Matilda

More Christian girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Matilda mean?

Matilda means 'Mighty in battle'. It is of Germanic origin.

Is Matilda a Christian name?

Matilda has no religious meaning, but several medieval saints bore it, including Saint Matilda of Ringelheim, a German queen known for her charity, so it has a long Christian history.

How do you pronounce Matilda?

Matilda is pronounced muh-TIL-duh.

Is Matilda a boy or girl name?

Matilda is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.