Comprehensive Guide on the Name “Matilda”

Origin and Historical Background

The name Matilda finds its roots in the Germanic elements “maht,” meaning “might” or “strength,” and “hild,” meaning “battle.” It has been a popular name in various cultures and has seen a revival in recent years. Matilda was brought to England by the Normans in the 11th century and was borne by several medieval queens and noblewomen throughout Europe. The name encapsulates a sense of resilience and power.

Meaning and Cultural Significance

Matilda stands for “strength,” embodying qualities such as power, perseverance, and encouragement. Throughout history, the name has been associated with robust and formidable women who defy the odds and emerge stronger. Owing to its strong meaning, many parents today favor the name Matilda, considering it an auspicious choice for empowering their daughters.

Famous Historical Figures with the Name Matilda

1. Matilda of Flanders

• Historical Era: 11th Century
• Key Contributions: Queen consort of England, wife of William the Conqueror.
• Cultural Impact: Matilda of Flanders was instrumental in the Norman Conquest of England and played a significant role in governance during her husband’s lengthy absences. Her strong will and counsel made her one of the most admired queens of medieval times.

2. Empress Matilda (Maud)

• Historical Era: 12th Century
• Key Contributions: First female ruler of the Kingdom of England (disputed).
• Cultural Impact: Matilda fought valiantly in the civil war known as The Anarchy against her cousin Stephen of Blois. Her assertive and determined personality etched her name in history as a pioneering figure in the struggle for female sovereignty.

Usage Over Time

The name Matilda peaked in popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After a decline, it experienced resurgence particularly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, partly due to popular culture references such as Roald Dahl’s book “Matilda.” According to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the name Matilda has consistently ranked among the top names for girls in recent years.

Pronunciation Guide

Matilda is pronounced as [Ma-TIL-da]. The name is phonetically broken down to emphasize the second syllable, with the emphasis on the “TIL” sound. It’s a three-syllable name where the “Ma” sounds like “ma” in “mat” and “da” as “duh.”

Biblical Context

Matilda does not have a direct Biblical reference and is not found in the Bible. However, its resonant meaning of strength and the historic resilience associated with women of this name may find a thematic parallel with Biblical figures who exemplified strength and courage, such as Deborah or Esther.

Additional Unique Information

Numerology

In numerology, Matilda corresponds to the number 8, signifying ambition, resilience, and a strong drive for success.

Variations

It has several variants, including Mathilde (French), Matilde (Italian, Spanish), and Maud (Old English).

Cultural Variants

In different cultures, Matilda remains a beloved name. For instance, in Scandinavia, it is often found in its variant form Mathilde.

Popularity Trends

According to SSA data, Matilda experienced a significant rise in popularity in the 2010s and made it into the top 200 names for girls in recent years. This rise is attributed to its classic charm and the influence of contemporary literature and media.

Concluding Statement

Choosing the name Matilda brings with it a legacy of strength, resilience, and royal elegance. With its rich historical background and contemporary appeal, Matilda continues to be an empowering choice for expectant parents.