"fertile valley dweller"
Tilden
Pronunciation: [ t-IHLD-uhn ]
A rare Old English gem with rugged, earthy charm
Meaning & Origin
"good valley"
Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Samuel Tilden, who won the popular vote but lost the disputed 1876 presidential election
The Story of Tilden
Tilden is an Old English surname turned given name, derived from the elements 'til' (fertile, good) and 'denu' (valley). As a place name it described settlements in productive lowland areas. Like many Old English surnames, it began crossing into first-name usage in the 19th century as a way to honor family heritage or notable figures.
Tilden has been slowly gaining traction as parents seek out vintage-sounding names that feel familiar yet distinctive. Its similarity to the popular Holden and Hayden gives it instant recognizability while remaining rare on classroom rosters.
Samuel Jones Tilden, the 19th century Democratic politician and New York governor, brought lasting recognition to the name in American history. The Tilden name is also associated with distinguished academic institutions.
Fun Facts
- Samuel Tilden won the popular vote in 1876 but lost the presidency in a controversial electoral commission decision
- The New York Public Library was funded largely by Samuel Tilden's estate
Tilden in Other Languages
Famous People Named Tilden
Bill Tilden
Athlete
1893
Dominant American tennis player of the 1920s and first American to win Wimbledon
Samuel J. Tilden
Politician
1814
New York governor and 1876 Democratic presidential candidate who won the popular vote but lost in a disputed election
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,105
- Total SSA Count
- 39
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Tilden is also used as a girl name, ranked #19556.
View Tilden as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Tilden and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Tilden sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Frequently Asked Questions About Tilden
What does the name Tilden mean?
What is the origin of the name Tilden?
Is Tilden a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Tilden?
How popular is the name Tilden?
What are common nicknames for Tilden?
What are good middle names for Tilden?
What are good sibling names for Tilden?
How many syllables does Tilden have?
Is Tilden a common or rare name?
About the Name Tilden
Tilden is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "fertile valley dweller" in Old English .
Is Tilden a boy or girl name? Tilden is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,105 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #19,556. Tilden is more commonly used as a boy name.
Tilden is currently ranked #3,105 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Tilden has 2 syllables and is pronounced t-IHLD-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Tilden include Til and Tilly. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.