"one who tills the land, farmer"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Tillman
Pronunciation: [ t-IHLM-uhn ]
Does Tillman flow with your last name?
A rugged surname name rooted in the earth
English
German
American
Strong
Earthy
Vintage
Traditional
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"cultivator, earth worker"
Origin: German
Language: German
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Pat Tillman, NFL player who died in friendly fire in Afghanistan — mostly positive but emotionally weighty
The Story of Tillman
Tillman originates as an occupational surname from Old English 'tilian' meaning 'to till' or 'to cultivate,' combined with 'man.' It denoted a farmer or agricultural laborer. The name crossed from Germany into English-speaking countries where it took on the surname-as-first-name trend popular in modern American naming.
Tillman has seen a revival as part of the broader trend of using rugged, occupational surnames as first names. Names like Tanner, Tucker, and Mason paved the way for Tillman's rise in the 2010s.
In American culture, Tillman carries the legacy of Pat Tillman, the Arizona Cardinals safety who gave up his NFL career to serve in the US Army after 9/11 and died in Afghanistan in 2004 — a name associated with sacrifice and honor.
Historical Record
Tillman first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,632 babies have been named Tillman in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Tillman is past its peak , currently ranked #3,978 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Tillman is cognate with the German name Tilman/Tillmann, popular in medieval Germany
- Pat Tillman's story is commemorated in a Pat Tillman Foundation that awards military scholarships
Tillman in Other Languages
Dutch
Tilman
French
Tilman
German
Tillmann
Popularity Over Time
#3,978
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Tillman
P
Pat Tillman
Athlete
1976
NFL safety who left professional football to serve in the US Army after 9/11; died in action in Afghanistan
T
Tillman Fertitta
Business
1957
American businessman, owner of Houston Rockets and Golden Nugget Casinos
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,978
- Total SSA Count
- 28
- Cultural Origins
- English German American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Till
Tilly
Tim
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Tillman
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Tillman is also used as a girl name, ranked #17772.
View Tillman as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tillman
What does the name Tillman mean?
"one who tills the land, farmer" (from Old English). "cultivator, earth worker" (from German). Tillman originates as an occupational surname from Old English 'tilian' meaning 'to till' or 'to cultivate,' combined with 'man.' It denoted a farmer or agricultural laborer. The name crossed from Germany into English-speaking countries where it took on the surname-as-first-name trend popular in modern American naming.
What is the origin of the name Tillman?
Tillman has Old English, German, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "one who tills the land, farmer". In German, it means "cultivator, earth worker".
Is Tillman a boy or girl name?
Tillman is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3978. As a girl name, it is ranked #17772. Tillman is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Tillman?
Tillman is pronounced t-IHLM-uhn.
How popular is the name Tillman?
Tillman is currently ranked #3978 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Tillman?
Common nicknames for Tillman include Till, Tilly, and Tim.
What are good middle names for Tillman?
Popular middle name pairings include Tillman James, Tillman Lee, Tillman Wayne, Tillman Scott, Tillman Ray, and Tillman Dean.
What are good sibling names for Tillman?
Names that pair well with Tillman as siblings include Fletcher, Harlow, Grover, Sutton, Emmett, and Britta.
How many syllables does Tillman have?
Tillman has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Tillman a common or rare name?
Tillman is an uncommon name, ranked #3978 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Tillman
Tillman is a boy name with English, German, and American origins . The name means "one who tills the land, farmer" in Old English .
Is Tillman a boy or girl name? Tillman is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,978 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #17,772. Tillman is more commonly used as a boy name.
Tillman is currently ranked #3,978 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Tillman has 2 syllables and is pronounced t-IHLM-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Tillman include Till, Tilly, and Tim. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis