Mathilda is a beautiful and unique name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old German word "maht" meaning strength or power, combined with the suffix "-hild", which signifies battle or fight. Therefore, Mathilda means "strength in battle" or "powerful in battle".
The name Mathilda was popular among the royalty and nobility during the Middle Ages in Europe. It is believed to have been introduced into England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066. One of the most notable historical figures named Mathilda was Matilda of Flanders, who married William the Conqueror and became the queen consort of England.
Throughout history, there have been many other significant women named Mathilda, including Matilda of Tuscany, a powerful ruler in Italy during the 11th century, and Saint Matilda, a German saint and abbess who lived in the 9th century. These historical figures have contributed to the name's enduring popularity and its association with strength, courage, and nobility.
Today, Mathilda continues to be a beloved name for girls around the world. Its unique sound and powerful meaning make it a striking choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughter. Despite its vintage feel, Mathilda remains contemporary and relevant, thanks in part to its historical significance and timeless appeal.
The statistics provided show the annual births of the name Mathilda in the United States from 1880 to 2023. The earliest year with data shows 72 births, which is the lowest number recorded. However, the number of births increased significantly over time, reaching a peak of 180 births in 1918.
After this peak, the number of births began to decrease gradually. Between 1924 and 1936, the number of Mathilda births fluctuated between 100 and 57 births per year. This downward trend continued into the 1940s, with as few as 11 births recorded in 1946.
From the 1950s onwards, there was a significant decline in the popularity of the name Mathilda. Between 1952 and 1973, fewer than 18 births were recorded each year. There were even years with no recorded births of Mathilda, such as 1962, 1969, 1972, and 1976.
However, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was a resurgence in the popularity of the name Mathilda. Between 1998 and 2004, there were at least 12 births recorded each year, with peaks of 24 births in 2003 and 40 births in 2009.
More recently, the number of Mathilda births has stabilized around an average of about 35 births per year. The most recent data shows that there were 26 births in 2023.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Mathilda has fluctuated over time, it remains a relatively uncommon name in the United States. However, there have been periods where it gained more traction, suggesting that its usage may be cyclical or influenced by cultural trends.