Tilghman is an unusual, distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname Tilghman, which has a complex etymological journey. The surname originates from a place in Sussex, England, known as Tilgate Manor, where it was first recorded in the late 12th century. The name likely evolved from Old English elements 'til' meaning 'till or until', and 'gaet' referring to a gateway or enclosure. Over time, the surname was adopted as a given name, particularly in regions with historical ties to the Tilghman family.
"The name Tilghman experienced a resurgence in popularity around the turn of the century, with births peaking at six in both 1997 and 2010. However, it has remained relatively uncommon throughout most of the 20th century, with fewer than ten births recorded in any given year until the late 1990s."