Matilda comes from the Germanic name Mahthildis, meaning "strength in battle," from the elements maht, "strength," and hild, "battle". The name was brought to England following the Norman Conquest, being borne by the wife of William the Conqueror himself. The name remained popular until the 15th century, although it was revived in the 19th century. In modern times, it has been rising in popularity since the 1990s.