Tilly
Meaning
Battle Strength
Origin
British
Pronunciation
/ˈtɪli/
Tilly is a soft-sounding name with a powerful meaning, which is why it suits a wide variety of female dogs.
It is usually a variant or diminutive of the German name Matilda, which means "might in battle". This old-fashioned name became less popular throughout the 20th century, but has made a revival over the past 20 years.
Roald Dahl's famous novel Matilda, and its accompanying movie, have helped to drive appeal of the name Tilly with dog owners.
Traits associated with the name Tilly:
Dogs named Tilly tend to be loving, and good-natured. This feminine name is also associated with companionship, intelligence, and friendship.
What does it say about you to have a dog named Tilly?
Naming your dog Tilly suggests that you are a creative and imaginative person who likes to think outside the box. It also suggests that you are a loving and caring person who is willing to put in the effort to give your pet a unique and special name.
Is Tilly a good dog name?
Tilly has two syllables, which is highly recommended by dog trainers. The name also ends in a vowel sound, so it's easy for dogs to recognize. Tilly isn't one of the most common names, so your dog will certainly stand out. If you love the name, you should pick it!
Popularity: Overall
Naming your dog Tilly is certainly a thing, but it's one of the more niche choices out there according to our data.
Popularity: Historical Trend
Tilly was, in the past month, the 454th most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.
As of April 2025, Tilly is becoming ever more niche with new puppy owners. Our stats suggest that the name is less fashionable than it was at this time last year.
We've seen quite a lot of variation in rank for this name, which may suggest seasonal factors or interest driven by pop culture events.
In the past week, Tilly was viewed 115 times, and liked 1 times.
Popularity: United States
The map below shows Tilly's popularity across the United States, according to PupNames data.
Tilly is most adored in Vermont, Montana and North Dakota.
By contrast, the name has been shown the least amount of interest in Connecticut, Minnesota and Oklahoma.
Popularity: Around The World
And this world map shows which countries have the greatest love for the name Tilly.
Most popular breeds named Tilly:
- Labrador Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Chihuahua
- Golden Retriever
- Dachshund
Tilly is found in these categories:
british
Commonly used as a nickname for Matilda in the UK.
cute
Evokes images of playful, small pups, popularized by British children's literature.
country
Derived from Matilda, a popular name in rural areas, often associated with simplicity and rustic charm.
preppy
Evokes elite boarding schools and Ivy League sophistication with British origins.
Dog names like Tilly:
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