"fertile valley dweller"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Tilden
Pronunciation: [ t-IHLD-uhn ]
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A rare Old English gem with rugged, earthy charm
English
American
Vintage
Strong
Unique
Earthy
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Meaning & Origin
"good valley"
Origin: Anglo-Saxon
Language: English
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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.
Historical Record
Tilden first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 865 babies have been named Tilden in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Tilden is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #3,105 for boy names in the US .
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
French
Tilden
German
Tilden
Spanish
Tilden
Popularity Over Time
#3,105
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Tilden
B
Bill Tilden
Athlete
1893
Dominant American tennis player of the 1920s and first American to win Wimbledon
S
Samuel J. Tilden
Politician
1814
New York governor and 1876 Democratic presidential candidate who won the popular vote but lost in a disputed election
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See all →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
Til
Tilly
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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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, 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, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Tilden
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Tilden is also used as a girl name, ranked #19556.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tilden
What does the name Tilden mean?
"fertile valley dweller" (from Old English). "good valley" (from Anglo-Saxon). 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.
What is the origin of the name Tilden?
Tilden has Old English, Anglo-Saxon, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "fertile valley dweller". In Anglo-Saxon, it means "good valley".
Is Tilden a boy or girl name?
Tilden is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3105. As a girl name, it is ranked #19556. Tilden is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Tilden?
Tilden is pronounced t-IHLD-uhn.
How popular is the name Tilden?
Tilden is currently ranked #3105 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Tilden?
Common nicknames for Tilden include Til and Tilly.
What are good middle names for Tilden?
Popular middle name pairings include Tilden James, Tilden Cole, Tilden Grey, Tilden Wade, Tilden Reid, Tilden Hart, and Tilden Lee.
What are good sibling names for Tilden?
Names that pair well with Tilden as siblings include Fletcher, Sutton, Dashiell, Winona, Holden, Sloane, and Merritt.
How many syllables does Tilden have?
Tilden has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Tilden a common or rare name?
Tilden is an uncommon name, ranked #3105 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
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.
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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