Origin
French origin, from Old High German ‘Mathildis’ composed of ‘maht’ (might, strength) and ‘hild’ (battle). The name was popularised in France and fetched into English contexts via Normans. While not originally Aboriginal or Māori, the name’s usage in Australia predominantly reflects European heritage and cultural influences.
Meaning
‘Strength in battle’ or ‘mighty in combat’, conveying qualities of resilience and bravery, often associated with historical female figures and literary characters in Australian stories.
Pronunciation
/mɑːtˈiːldə/ (Australian English) – stress on the second syllable, ‘TILD’ sounding like ‘tild’ in ‘build’.|} 1 - stress pattern emphasizes the second syllable, blending elegance and clarity.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Matilda (more common in English-speaking countries)
- Mathilda (alternate spelling)
- Mathilde (French)
Nicknames
- Mattie
- Tilda
- Maddy
Name Days
- 14 September (Feast of Saint Mathilde, celebrated in Catholic calendars)
- 11 June (Måori celebration of Matariki, symbolising new beginnings, with local community events)
- 25 December (Christmas Day, culturally significant in Australia)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with mathilde:
- Charlotte and Mathilde
- Amelia and Mathilde
- Elizabeth and Mathilde
Fun Facts
- Mathilde is rare but has historical prominence due to Holy Roman Empress Mathilde, influencing European nobility.
- The name's flavour complements Australia’s appreciation for classical and Victorian-era names, often used in literature and film.
- ‘Mathilde’ is also the title of a famous French film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, favoured by Australian cinephiles.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name mathilde:
- resilient
- elegant
- brave
- classic
- sophisticated
Aesthetic Qualities
Palindromic symmetry, elegant letterforms, and a timeless classic appeal in typography and visual presentation within Australian media and branding contexts.
Geographical Distribution
Most common in southern and eastern urban centres such as Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, especially among families with European ancestry.
Numerological Significance
Number 3, associated with creativity, communication, and social harmony, aligning with expressive and artistic personality traits in astrological traditions.
Astrological Connections
Connected with Gemini and Cancer, reflecting traits of adaptability, nurturing, and communicative prowess, popular in Australian astrology circles for naming considerations.
Historical Context
Notable figures include Holy Roman Empress Mathilde and the writer Mathilde Blind, both of European nobility and literary history. In Australian context, the name is associated with a blend of colonial heritage and contemporary multicultural naming trends.
Linguistic Adaptability
Adapts well across various languages; in German and French remains ‘Mathilde’, in English often ‘Matilda’, and in Scandinavian countries sometimes ‘Matilde’, respecting phonetic and spelling conventions.
Famous People Named mathilde
- Mathilde zB. (Queen consort of Belgium, born in 1973)
- Mathilde Gros (French cyclist)
- Mathilde de Morny (French aristocrat and artist)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 1 |
2017 | 1 |
2015 | 1 |