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Original poster

Thoughts on the name…

53 replies

JollyTealHedgehog · 09/12/2025 21:48

DH and I are expecting our first baby in Feb. We’re really struggling to agree on any names and the only one we currently both like is Matilda (we know we’re having a daughter). Looking for honest thoughts on it as a name. I’m not sure if she’ll be saddled with Roald Dahl comments for life?

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bizkittt · 10/12/2025 03:14

Twee

APinkAndSpottyGiraffey · 10/12/2025 03:05

Even if she does get any Roald Dahl comments (unlikely) it’s a very positive character, Matilda (the character) is brave but likeable, it’s definitely not a negative association for me!

But yes, she will be known as Tilly whether you want it or not… I love Tilly as a name though so again, I’d like that 😀

Moreteaandchocolate · 10/12/2025 03:02

it’s a lovely name. I would only use it if you like Tilly and Mati for short though (as I know primary school age Matilda’s who go by their full name but they tend to choose to shorten it by secondary school and that’s hard to control).

OliviaBonas · 10/12/2025 01:47

Matilda is a beautiful name!

MCF86 · 09/12/2025 23:22

The first ones I knew (working in childcare 20 years ago) made me think of the book character, but it doesn't now.. it just makes me think of real Matildas I've known :)

Copperoliverbear · 09/12/2025 23:21

Love Matilda. X

Berlinlover · 09/12/2025 23:21

I would immediately think of the Australian song Waltzing Matilda but that probably just shows my age.

AmyDuPlantier · 09/12/2025 23:21

It’s fine, I would call her Matty though I think

ThinIceSkater · 09/12/2025 23:19

I like it. The Matilda I know isn't known as Tilly, if I've heard anyone call her by a shortening it's 'Tilda'.

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 09/12/2025 23:17

MsSmartShoes · 09/12/2025 22:30

Matilda is a fine name. It’s a bit clunky and slightly dated, but a sound name.

It's deffo not dated, there are loads of them from mid teens down.

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 09/12/2025 23:16

I like it but there have been a lot of them in the last decade. They usually end up Tilly or Tilda, so you have to be OK with that.

ChocolateCinderToffee · 09/12/2025 23:12

A lovely name, William the Conqueror’s wife was called Matilda.

Mariammaom · 09/12/2025 22:52

It’s ok, quite popular, and generally shortened to Tilly

CoffeeChocolateWine · 09/12/2025 22:40

Love the name Matilda and nearly went with it for DD2. My sticking point was the potential shortenings as I only really liked Tilda and didn’t want a Tilly or a Matty. We ended up using it as DD2’s middle name.

MrsArcher23 · 09/12/2025 22:40

Another vote for Matilda. Love it, it’s a classic.

didgeridid · 09/12/2025 22:33

My daughter's best friend is Matilda, I think it's lovely

MsSmartShoes · 09/12/2025 22:30

Matilda is a fine name. It’s a bit clunky and slightly dated, but a sound name.

DayOfSummer · 09/12/2025 22:29

Matilda is lovely but I prefer Natalie with nn Tilly.

Wolfiefan · 09/12/2025 22:28

It’s lovely.

Forthelov · 09/12/2025 22:24

Matilda is a fantastic name. It’s quite popular, but I don’t think that matters.

Peternell · 09/12/2025 22:21

Matilda is a lovely name.
And I don't think she will be saddled with Roald Dahl comments.

Silverbirchleaf · 09/12/2025 22:03

Lovely name.

WildCherryBlossom · 09/12/2025 21:59

I love Mathilda / Matilda. I know quite a few, with ages spanning quite a few decades.

I think it’s quite timeless. The Roald Dahl character is definitely not the first thing that springs to mind.

A wide variation in abbreviations too: Mat, Mati, Tilda, Ticky, Tilly….

SquigglePigs · 09/12/2025 21:57

It's a lovely name. I think it's mainstream enough that the Roald Dahl story is just one of those things, not a major, only thing.

I don't actually think a shortening is inevitable. I know a 6 yr old Matilda who goes by her full name and always has.

Having said that, if there's a shortening you prefer then I'd suggest getting her attached to it before she starts to school as it's more likely to stick. Tilly is obvious but I also know a teen Matilda who has always gone by Tilda. Mattie is also another option if you fancy it.

NuffSaidSam · 09/12/2025 21:56

I love it.

But it is increasingly popular if that's a concern.

We have a Matilda in the family and she's never been called Tilly. I really wouldn't worry about this. She might get Tilda occasionally, but it's a bold stranger who just calls someone, introduced as Matilda, Tilly.