A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Tillie since 1880
Babies named Tillie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Tillie's real moment was 1884.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,254 |
| 1890s | 2,009 |
| 1900s | 1,842 |
| 1910s | 3,655 |
| 1920s | 2,696 |
| 1930s | 1,136 |
| 1940s | 559 |
| 1950s | 315 |
| 1960s | 187 |
| 1970s | 142 |
| 1980s | 116 |
| 1990s | 89 |
| 2000s | 205 |
| 2010s | 589 |
| 2020s | 944 |
Meaning & origin
Tillie is a vintage diminutive that has been climbing back into use in recent years. After peaking at rank 1261 in 1884, it fell out of favor through much of the 20th century. However, the name has been on a steady rise since 1993, appealing to parents seeking a sweet, old-fashioned nickname. In 2025, it ranked 1261st with a frequency of 1 in 9,081 births. Tillie is most popular in states like Iowa, Alabama, and Louisiana, reflecting a broader revival of late 19th-century names. As a classic nickname for Matilda, it carries a sturdy meaning without feeling overly formal, making it a charming choice for a modern baby girl.
Tillie emerged as a pet form of Matilda, a name of Germanic origin from elements meaning 'might' and 'battle'. It was widely used in the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially as an independent given name in the United States, but declined sharply after the 1920s. The name has seen a revival in recent decades, often as a vintage nickname returning to fashion.
Where Tillie is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Tillie” around the world
Where Tillie lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tilly, Till
Sibling names for Tillie
Names that share Tillie's style, for a brother or sister.
