Matilda is a feminine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the German name Mahthildis, which consists of two elements: 'maht' meaning 'might', 'power', or 'strength', and 'hild' meaning 'battle'. Therefore, Matilda's name signifies 'power in battle'.
The name Matilda was brought to England by the Normans after their conquest in 1066. It became popular among the English royalty during the Middle Ages, with several queens named Matilda. One of the most notable ones is Matilda I (also known as Empress Matilda), daughter of King Henry I of England. She was a crucial figure in the power struggle between her son, King Henry II, and her grandson, King Richard I.
Matilda also has connections to other historical figures and cultures. In Italy, Matilda di Canossa (1046-1115) was a powerful noblewoman who played a significant role in medieval politics. Additionally, the name gained popularity in Scandinavia during the Viking Age and is still used today in Scandinavian countries.
In literature, Matilda is also the title character of Roald Dahl's 1988 novel "Matilda," which has contributed to its resurgence in popularity as a baby girl's name. Overall, Matilda is an historic and powerful name with deep roots in European history and culture.
The name Matilda experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a total of 35,650 births recorded between 1880 and 2023. The peak occurred in recent times, with 758 births in 2022, marking it as one of the most popular names during that year. Conversely, the name's popularity hit a low point in the late 1940s to early 1950s, with fewer than 100 births recorded annually between 1946 and 1957. Overall, while Matilda has seen periods of decline, its enduring appeal is evident in its consistent presence among baby names for over a century.