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Tilly Girl

Popularity: #678 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationTIL-ee / ˈtɪli

English; 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)

StateBirthsShare
TX 20
9%
FL 14
7%
OR 12
6%
CO 12
6%
TN 12
6%
WA 12
6%
GA 11
5%
MO 10
5%
OH 10
5%
IN 9
4%
CA 8
4%
NC 8
4%
IL 7
3%
AZ 7
3%
MN 6
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19125
191413
19169
19205
19255
19275
19285
19325
19336
19406
19595
19627
19636
19685
19715
19726
19746
19755
19796
19875
19906
19915
19925
19948
19959
19968
19979
19987
199914
20005
200112
20029
200314
200413
200514
200617
200731
200828
200941
201044
201151
201268
201364
201469
201584
201683
2017110
2018129
2019170
2020166
2021218
2022249
2023242
2024273