Matilde is a feminine given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old High German name Mahthildis, which was composed of the elements mahat, meaning "mighty," and hild, meaning "battle." Thus, Matilde's meaning can be translated as "mighty in battle."
The name Matilde has a long history that dates back to the early Middle Ages. It was particularly popular among Germanic-speaking peoples, including the Franks and the Germans. One of the earliest known bearers of this name was Matilda of Ringelheim, who lived in the 10th century and was the mother of Emperor Otto I.
Matilde also has a strong connection to English history. In the 12th century, Empress Matilda (also known as Maud) became the first woman to be crowned ruler of England after her father, King Henry I, died without a male heir. However, her claim to the throne was disputed by her cousin Stephen, leading to the civil war known as "The Anarchy."
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Matilde. These include Matilda of Flanders, who married William the Conqueror and became the first queen consort of England; Matilda of Tuscany, a 11th-century Italian noblewoman and ruler; and Mathilde de Canossa, a powerful 11th-century Italian marchesa whose name has become synonymous with political intrigue.
Today, Matilde continues to be used as a given name across many cultures. While its popularity has varied over time, it remains a strong and distinctive choice for parents looking for a name with a rich history and meaningful meaning.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Matilde has seen a varied number of births in the United States over the years. The earliest recorded year is 1923, with 7 births that year. This was followed by 6 births in 1924, indicating a slight decrease in popularity.
The name's popularity fluctuated throughout the decades:
* From 1925 to 1934, there were years with peaks of 12 births (in 1934) and troughs of 7 births (in 1932).
* After a gap in records from 1938 to 1940, the name saw consistent birth numbers ranging from 5 to 8 births per year until 1948.
* The 1950s and early 1960s maintained a steady popularity with around 5 to 7 births each year.
* After another gap in records from 1962 to 1969, the name saw a brief spike in popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with peaks of 7 births in both 1975 and 1976.
In total, based on the available records, there have been 218 births of the name Matilde in the United States from 1923 to 1976. It's important to note that these statistics may not be exhaustive due to the gaps in data between certain years. However, they provide a general overview of the name's popularity over time in the U.S.