The first name Tilly

In 2025, 264 girls were named Tilly, making it the 193rd most popular girls’ name. It peaked in 2009, with 703 births (#86).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Tilly with other names.

In 2025, 302 girls born in the United States were named Tilly, the 885th most popular girls’ name that year.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• Tilly Fleischer
  German javelin thrower (1911–2005)
• Tilly Losch
  Ballerina, dancer, actress (1903-1975)
• Tilly Keeper
  British actress, born 1997
• Tilly Smith
  British lifesaver, born 1994
• Tilly van der Zwaard
  Dutch sprinter and middle-distance runner, 1938–2019
• Tilly Lauenstein
  German actress and voice actress (1916–2002)

What does the name Tilly mean?

* (given name, nickname): Shortened from Matilda, + -y. * (surname): The surname may also have origins as a matronymic from Matilda.

How popular is the name Tilly?

In 2025, 264 girls born in England and Wales were named Tilly, ranking 193rd. Its peak was 2009, with 703 births.

Is Tilly a boy's or a girl's name?

Mostly a girl's name: 100% of the 2,699 US babies named Tilly since 1880 were girls.

When was Tilly most popular?

2025 in the United States, when 302 babies were named Tilly, its highest rank at 885th.

How do you pronounce Tilly?

Tilly is /ˈtɪli/, 2 syllables.

Is Tilly also a surname?

Yes. Tilly is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.