Tilly Girl
Origin(s)
PronunciationTIL-ee / ˈtɪliEnglish; German
Meaning
English: Mighty in battle; German: Strength
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Tilly is derived from the Old High German name "Tilde," which is a diminutive of "Matilda," meaning "battle-mighty." The name Matilda itself originates from the Germanic elements "maht," meaning "might," and "hild," meaning "battle." This name made its way into the English language through the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where it was adopted into Old French as "Mathilde" before being anglicized to Matilda in Middle English. The diminutive Tilly emerged as a popular short form of Matilda, particularly in English-speaking countries, during the 19th century.
Historically, the name Matilda has notable associations, including Matilda of Flanders, the wife of William the Conqueror, who became Queen of England in the late 11th century. Another significant figure is Empress Matilda, the daughter of Henry I of England, who lived during the 12th century and was a key figure in the English civil war known as The Anarchy. The name has also appeared in various literary works, including the children's novel "Matilda" by Roald Dahl, published in the late 20th century, which has contributed to its cultural resonance.
Tilly, as a diminutive, carries connotations of affection and familiarity, often used in a warm or endearing context. The name has been embraced in various cultures, reflecting a broader trend of using diminutive forms as standalone names. Its historical roots and connections to powerful women in history lend it a sense of strength and resilience, making it a name that resonates with themes of empowerment and courage.
Trend Summary
Tilly has seen a rise in popularity in the United States over the past two decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Tilly
- Tillya
International Variants
- Tilia (Latin)
- Matilda (Italian)
Famous people named Tilly
Tilly Ramsay is a chef and television personality best known for MasterChef Junior, Hell's Kitchen, and Tilly's Kitchen Takeover.
Fictional characters named Tilly
Tilly is a fictional character from the TV series Star Trek: Discovery. She is a Starfleet officer and serves as an important member of the crew aboard the USS Discovery.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Tilly was first seen in the United States in 1912. Tilly has ranked as high as #1087 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in Texas, California, New York, Ohio, and Washington. In the past 5 years the name Tilly has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Tilly (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 20 | |
FL | 14 | |
OR | 12 | |
CO | 12 | |
TN | 12 | |
WA | 12 | |
GA | 11 | |
MO | 10 | |
OH | 10 | |
IN | 9 | |
CA | 8 | |
NC | 8 | |
IL | 7 | |
AZ | 7 | |
MN | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1912 | 5 |
1914 | 13 |
1916 | 9 |
1920 | 5 |
1925 | 5 |
1927 | 5 |
1928 | 5 |
1932 | 5 |
1933 | 6 |
1940 | 6 |
1959 | 5 |
1962 | 7 |
1963 | 6 |
1968 | 5 |
1971 | 5 |
1972 | 6 |
1974 | 6 |
1975 | 5 |
1979 | 6 |
1987 | 5 |
1990 | 6 |
1991 | 5 |
1992 | 5 |
1994 | 8 |
1995 | 9 |
1996 | 8 |
1997 | 9 |
1998 | 7 |
1999 | 14 |
2000 | 5 |
2001 | 12 |
2002 | 9 |
2003 | 14 |
2004 | 13 |
2005 | 14 |
2006 | 17 |
2007 | 31 |
2008 | 28 |
2009 | 41 |
2010 | 44 |
2011 | 51 |
2012 | 68 |
2013 | 64 |
2014 | 69 |
2015 | 84 |
2016 | 83 |
2017 | 110 |
2018 | 129 |
2019 | 170 |
2020 | 166 |
2021 | 218 |
2022 | 249 |
2023 | 242 |
2024 | 273 |