Tildon is a unique and distinctive given name of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse name Þórðr, which was composed of the elements þór, meaning "Thor," the god of thunder in Norse mythology, and dr, meaning "gift." Therefore, Tildon translates to "Thor's gift."
The name Tildon has a rich history dating back to the Viking Age. It was often bestowed upon brave and strong warriors who were believed to be favored by Thor himself. In Old Norse texts such as the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, Þórðr is mentioned as one of Thor's many epithets, further emphasizing the name's divine connection.
Throughout history, variations of Tildon have been used in Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland. Some of these variants include Þórður, Þórdr, Þórðr, and even Þórden, which is closest to Tildon in spelling.
Despite its historical significance and unique appeal, Tildon has not gained widespread popularity as a given name. It remains quite rare, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child. Those named Tildon are often drawn to its rich history and association with ancient Scandinavian culture and mythology.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Tildon has had varying popularity over the years in the United States. The name first appeared in the top 1000 baby names list in 1912 with five births that year. It maintained this level of popularity through 1917 and 1919, with five births each year.
There was a slight increase in popularity between 1924 and 1927, with seven births in 1924 and six births in 1927. The name then dipped back down to five births per year from 1929 to 1935. After this period, Tildon's popularity began to fluctuate more significantly.
In the years following World War II, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Tildon, with nine births in 1947. However, this spike in popularity did not last long, as the name fell back down to five births per year from 1950 to 1961.
There was another brief resurgence in the 1980s, with eight births recorded in 2007. Most recently, in 2014, there were six babies named Tildon born in the United States.
Overall, while the name Tildon has not been consistently popular over time, it has maintained a small but steady presence among baby names in the United States since at least 1912. With a total of 108 births recorded over the years, this unique name has managed to carve out its own niche in American naming history.