Find out how popular the first name Mathilda has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mathilda by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Mathilda is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 26 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mathilda.

The history of the first name Mathilda

Mathilda is a feminine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German elements "maat" meaning "might" or "strength" and "hild" meaning "battle." It is a variation of the name Matilda, which gained popularity across Europe in the Middle Ages.

The name Mathilda is believed to have emerged in the 8th or 9th century AD and was initially used by nobility and royalty in various Germanic regions, including present-day Germany, the Netherlands, and England. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Matilda, the daughter of the English King Henry I, who lived from 1102 to 1167.

In the 12th century, the name Mathilda gained prominence through Matilda of England, who was also known as the Empress Matilda or Matilda of Anjou. She was a claimant to the English throne during the Anarchy, a civil war that lasted from 1135 to 1153. Her struggle for power and her role in the conflict contributed to the widespread recognition of the name.

Another notable historical figure with the name Mathilda was Mathilda of Tuscany (1046-1115), a wealthy and influential woman who played a significant role in the Investiture Controversy between the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire. She was a staunch supporter of Pope Gregory VII and fought against the German emperor Henry IV.

In the 13th century, Mathilda of Brandenburg (1210-1261) was a German princess and the landgravine of Thuringia through her marriage to Henry Raspe, the anti-king of Germany during the Great Interregnum. She was a powerful and influential figure in her own right.

During the Renaissance period, Mathilda of Canossa (1046-1115), also known as Matilda of Tuscany, was a prominent Italian noblewoman and one of the most powerful and wealthy individuals in Europe at the time. She was a major supporter of the Papacy and played a crucial role in the Investiture Controversy.

These are just a few examples of notable historical figures who bore the name Mathilda, showcasing its enduring presence and significance across various cultures and time periods.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Mathilda was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Mathilda, please contact us.

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