Mafalda

Mafalda is the Italian and Portuguese variant of the Old German name Mathilda/Mathilde, which translates to "the strong fighter" or "the powerful in battle." The name is derived from the Franco-Provençal Mahalt and is based on the Old High German terms maht for "power, strength" and hiltia for "battle."

What does the name Mafalda mean?

Mafalda represents an Italian and Portuguese derivation of the historical name Mathilda/Mathilde, which carries the meaning "the strong fighter" or "the powerful in battle." The origin of the name can be found in the Franco-Provençal Mahalt, with roots in the Old High German words maht for "power, strength" and hiltia for "battle." Related forms include Matilde, Mahaut (French), and Matylda (Polish) as well as Maud and Maude (English).

Where does the name Mafalda come from?

The origin of the name Mafalda is Old High German, carrying the meaning "the strong fighter" or "the powerful in battle." The Old High German components are maht = power, strength and hiltia = battle. The languages in which the name appears are Italian and Portuguese.

How do you pronounce Mafalda?

The sound structure and pronunciation of Mafalda are three syllables and distinct. It is pronounced as "Ma-fal-da" [maˈfalda], starting with an open A sound that conveys inviting warmth. The consonant combination "-ld-" stands out strongly, providing a marked accent in the middle. The open ending "-a" gives the name a gentle rounding. Overall, Mafalda thus appears characterful and classic – structured, powerful, and present.

When is the name day of Mafalda?

The name day for Mafalda is celebrated on May 2nd, in memory of Mafalda of Portugal, the daughter of the Portuguese King Sancho I and a nun who was beatified in the 13th century.

Popularity

In Germany, Mafalda is among the sought-after first names. Currently, it ranks 2,358th on the list of the most common female first names. Its best ranking was achieved in 2015 when it reached 1,538th place. In the last ten years, Mafalda has been chosen as a first name about 110 times, placing it 2,291st in the ten-year statistics. For the period from 2010 to 2024, it ranks 2,383rd.

Nicknames & pet names

Maf / Mafaldita / Mafall / Maffa / Maffi / Maffy / Mafi / Mafy

Famous people

• Mafalda Arnauth (Portuguese singer)
• Mafalda Favero (singer from Italy)
• Mafalda Hopfkirch (character from the Harry Potter novels, Ministry employee)
• Mafalda Martins Da Silva Luis de Castro (Portuguese actress)
• Mafalda Pinto (Portuguese actress)
• Mafalda Salvatini (Italian singer)
• Mafalda Veiga (Portuguese singer)
• Mafalda of Savoy (a daughter of the penultimate king of Italy (1902-1944))