Tilly name meaning, origin and popularity
Meaning, origin, similar names and Australian ranking history.
The name Tilly
Story and style
Tilly is a historic and traditional name for girls. It is usually linked to ideas of strength in battle, giving it a clear meaning without making the name feel too serious. The name moved through older European forms before becoming familiar in English.
As a baby name, Tilly feels established and familiar without sounding too formal. Related forms include Mathilda, Maud, Tilda. Nickname options include Tilly, Tillie, Mattie.
At a glance
The quick version
More about Tilly
Background notes
Meaning
Tilly is commonly used as a nickname for Matilda. Matilda is usually linked with Strength in Battle.
Origin
Tilly is used as a nickname of Matilda. Tilly is commonly traced to Germanic name. It is associated with Germanic roots. It is connected with the root name Mahthildis.
Names with this background often travelled through several languages before settling into modern English forms, which gives Tilly a sense of history without making it feel dated.
History and background
Tilly has a long European naming history, with older forms moving through medieval languages before becoming familiar in English.
What style of name is Tilly?
Tilly has a historic, established feel without sounding overly formal. It sits naturally beside names like Abigail: names that feel related in sound, style or popularity.
Nicknames and variations
Common nickname options include Tilly, Tillie, Mattie. Related forms may include Mathilda, Maud, Tilda.
Names similar to Tilly
If you like Tilly, you might also like:
Tilly ranking history in Australia
Published national top-100 ranking by year
Tilly was most recently listed at 86th in 2012, and appeared in the Australian top 100 in 1 of 18 years we currently cover.
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Not in top 100 |
| 2024 | Not in top 100 |
| 2023 | Not in top 100 |
| 2022 | Not in top 100 |
| 2021 | Not in top 100 |
| 2020 | Not in top 100 |
| 2019 | Not in top 100 |
| 2018 | Not in top 100 |
| 2017 | Not in top 100 |
| 2016 | Not in top 100 |
| 2015 | Not in top 100 |
| 2014 | Not in top 100 |
| 2013 | Not in top 100 |
| 2012 | 86th |
| 2011 | Not in top 100 |
| 2010 | Not in top 100 |
| 2009 | Not in top 100 |
| 2008 | Not in top 100 |