Mathilde is a feminine given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old German elements "maht" meaning "might" or "power", and "hild" which means "battle". Thus, Mathilde can be interpreted as "strength in battle".
The name Mathilde has been popular among royal families throughout history. One notable bearer was Queen Matilda of England (1080-1118), who married William the Conqueror, becoming the first queen consort of the Kingdom of England after the Norman conquest.
In France, Mathilde was a popular choice for queens and princesses during the Middle Ages. Matilda of Flanders, grandmother of King Henry I of England, and Queen Matilda II of France were both named Mathilde.
Over time, the name Mathilde has spread beyond Europe and can now be found among various cultures worldwide. Despite its historical popularity among royalty, Mathilde is not limited to any particular social class or nationality today.
In terms of pronunciation, Mathilde is typically pronounced /maː'tɪl.də/ in English-speaking countries, with emphasis on the first syllable. However, variations exist depending on language and region. In French, for instance, it's pronounced /matild/ with stress on the second syllable.
While there are no specific associated celebrations or character traits universally tied to the name Mathilde, individuals bearing this name may possess unique qualities that inspire admiration and respect among those who know them well.
The name Mathilde has had a varied history of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 1757 babies being given this name since 1880.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mathilde was somewhat popular, with a peak of 32 births recorded in 1894. This popularity continued until around the mid-1920s, when the number of babies named Mathilde began to decline steadily. Between 1926 and 1967, there were fewer than 10 babies named Mathilde each year on average.
However, beginning in the late 1960s, there was a resurgence in popularity for the name Mathilde. From 1968 onwards, the number of babies named Mathilde began to increase once again, reaching a new peak of 31 births in 2011. Since then, the name has continued to be popular, with over 20 babies being given the name each year.
Overall, while Mathilde may not have been one of the most popular names throughout history, it has nonetheless had several periods of notable popularity and remains a well-loved choice for parents in the United States today.