Holding steady, #3,949 for boys today.
Popularity of Tillman since 1880
Babies named Tillman per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Tillman's real moment was 1891.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 74 |
| 1890s | 131 |
| 1900s | 129 |
| 1910s | 454 |
| 1920s | 515 |
| 1930s | 390 |
| 1940s | 380 |
| 1950s | 313 |
| 1960s | 229 |
| 1970s | 148 |
| 1980s | 141 |
| 1990s | 128 |
| 2000s | 231 |
| 2010s | 295 |
| 2020s | 174 |
Meaning & origin
Tillman is a surname-born first name with agricultural roots, most popular in the late 19th century. It reached its peak rank in 1891, when it was most frequently recorded. The name has remained stable in usage, never disappearing but never reclaiming its early popularity. In recent decades, it has been given to boys primarily in southern states like South Carolina and Georgia, reflecting its regional ties. From 1880 through 2025, Tillman has maintained a steady presence, with no major revival or decline. Its occupational meaning connects it to a strong, grounded image, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and a rustic feel.
Tillman is an English surname that became a given name. It derives from the Old English words 'tilian' (to till or cultivate) and 'mann' (man), originally denoting a farmer or plowman. The name was brought to America by German immigrants as a variant of Tillmann, but in the United States it has primarily been used as an English occupational surname-turned-first-name.
Where Tillman is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Till, Tilly
Variants: Tillmann, Tilman, Tylman
Sibling names for Tillman
Names that share Tillman's style, for a brother or sister.
