Tillie is a unique and charming feminine given name of German origin. It is derived from the Germanic name Matilda, which itself comes from the Germanic elements "maht" meaning "might" or "strength," and "hild" meaning "battle." Therefore, the name Tillie can be interpreted as "strong in battle."
The name Matilda has been quite popular throughout history. It was borne by several saints and royals, including Saint Matilda of Westphalia (895-968), who was a daughter of the Count of Westphalia and is believed to have performed miracles during her lifetime. Additionally, Matilda I (1046-1114) was the first female ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, making her quite notable in history.
The name Tillie has gained popularity as a shortened form or pet name for Matilda, particularly in English-speaking countries such as England and the United States. While it is not as commonly used as its full version, it remains a distinctive and appealing choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their daughter.
In terms of its popularity, Tillie has appeared occasionally in the Social Security Administration's list of most popular baby names in the United States. However, it has never ranked higher than 1360th place, indicating that it is still relatively uncommon compared to more traditional feminine names. Nevertheless, its unique origins and meanings make it an attractive option for those seeking a less common name with a rich history.
In conclusion, Tillie is a delightful and distinctive feminine given name of German origin, derived from the historic name Matilda. With its powerful meaning and notable historical figures, it offers parents a captivating choice for their daughter's name. Although not as commonly used as its full version, Tillie remains an appealing option for those looking to honor tradition while also embracing uniqueness.
Based on the statistical data provided, we can observe a few trends regarding the number of babies named Tillie born in the United States each year.
From 1880 to around 1970, there was considerable variation in the number of births with the name Tillie. The highest peak occurred in 1912 with 283 births, while the lowest point was reached in 1967 with only 8 births. During this period, the number of babies named Tillie seemed to fluctuate quite significantly from year to year.
However, starting around 1970 and continuing until the present day, we observe a general decrease in the popularity of the name Tillie. Between 1973 and 2023, the highest recorded number of births with this name was 42 in 2013, and the lowest was just 6 in 1986. This indicates that the name Tillie has become less common over time.
In recent years, there seems to be a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Tillie, with numbers rising from 52 births in 2014 to 176 births in 2023. However, even at its most recent peak, the number of babies named Tillie remains significantly lower than the peaks observed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Overall, while the name Tillie has experienced periods of popularity and decline over time, it appears that in recent years, it is once again becoming more popular as a baby girl's name in the United States. However, it remains to be seen whether this trend will continue or if the number of babies named Tillie will fluctuate once again in the future.