Maude

Pronunciation: [ m-AWD ]

Girl Name #3,689 Most Popular Hidden Gem 1 Syllable

A one-syllable Victorian gem with warrior roots

English French Scandinavian

Vintage Strong Literary Bold Classic

Meaning & Origin

"mighty in battle"

Origin: Germanic

Language: English

"strength in battle"

Origin: Old German

Language: German

The Story of Maude

Maude is the medieval English and French form of Matilda, derived from the Old German name Mahthildis, meaning strength in battle from the elements maht and hild. The name was carried to England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066 and became widespread in medieval Europe through Saint Matilda, wife of Henry the Fowler.

Maude peaked in the late 19th century, appearing widely in Victorian literature and on gravestones across England and America. It fell out of fashion mid-20th century but has been reviving since the 2010s as parents rediscover one-syllable vintage names with literary gravitas.

In English culture, Maude is associated with Victorian elegance and strength. Alfred Lord Tennyson's 1855 poem Maud gave the name a romantic, melancholy literary association that persisted for generations.

Fun Facts

Maude is a short form of Matilda, meaning might in battle
The 1972 US sitcom Maude starring Bea Arthur brought the name into pop culture
Maude was among the top 50 names in the US in the 1880s and 1890s

Maude in Other Languages

French Maude

German Mathilde

Italian Matilde

Spanish Matilde

Swedish Matilda

Famous People Named Maude

Maude Fealy

Actor

1881

American stage and silent film actress, one of the biggest stars of early Hollywood

Maude Adams

Actor

1872

American actress celebrated as the most famous stage actress of her era, best known for playing Peter Pan on Broadway

Maude Fictional

Other

The fierce, outspoken protagonist of the 1972 CBS sitcom Maude, played by Bea Arthur

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 1
Popularity Rank: #3,689
Total SSA Count: 41
Cultural Origins: English French Scandinavian
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Maudie

Pairs Well With

Maude Elizabeth Maude Rose Maude Louise Maude Claire Maude Anne Maude Violet

Sibling Names

Harriet Cecily Edmund Rupert Agnes Ivy

Also a Boy Name

Maude is also used as a boy name, ranked #37634.

View Maude as a boy name →

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Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Maude

What does the name Maude mean?

"mighty in battle" (from Germanic). "strength in battle" (from Old German). Maude is the medieval English and French form of Matilda, derived from the Old German name Mahthildis, meaning strength in battle from the elements maht and hild. The name was carried to England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066 and became widespread in medieval Europe through Saint Matilda, wife of Henry the Fowler.

What is the origin of the name Maude?

Maude has Germanic, Old German, English, French, and Scandinavian origins. In Germanic, it means "mighty in battle". In Old German, it means "strength in battle".

Is Maude a boy or girl name?

Maude is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #3689. As a boy name, it is ranked #37634. Maude is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Maude?

Maude is pronounced m-AWD.

How popular is the name Maude?

Maude is currently ranked #3689 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Maude?

Common nicknames for Maude include Maudie.

What are good middle names for Maude?

Popular middle name pairings include Maude Elizabeth, Maude Rose, Maude Louise, Maude Claire, Maude Anne, and Maude Violet.

What are good sibling names for Maude?

Names that pair well with Maude as siblings include Harriet, Cecily, Edmund, Rupert, Agnes, and Ivy.

How many syllables does Maude have?

Maude has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Maude a common or rare name?

Maude is an uncommon name, ranked #3689 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Maude

Maude is a girl name with English, French, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "mighty in battle" in Germanic .

Is Maude a boy or girl name? Maude is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #3,689 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #37,634. Maude is more commonly used as a girl name.

Maude is currently ranked #3,689 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Maude has 1 syllable and is pronounced m-AWD, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Maude include Maudie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.