Tilly is a moderately popular girls' name in England & Wales, ranking #193 in 2025 with 264 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2009 with 703 births ranking #86. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 151.4%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 959 girls born was named Tilly. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Tilly is a lively vintage short form most often linked to Matilda and its battle-strength meaning. It feels friendly, bright, and very wearable.
The name returned strongly as old-fashioned nickname forms came back into fashion. Its appeal lies in combining sweetness on the surface with a sturdy classic root underneath.