See the results of this poll: Which name?
Respondents: 76 (This poll is closed)
- Matilda : 51 (67%)
- Margaret: 25 (33%)
I honestly like both, but I am partial to [name_f]Matilda[/name_f]. It’s one of my favorites. I like the strength of the name, the variety of nickname options, and the great meaning, “strength in battle.” Makes me think of her having the willpower to take on life’s challenges.
Is it deja vu or was there a similar poll a couple of days ago? Anyway, my answer stays the same: I much prefer Margaret. It’s sweet, stylishly vintage and underused; Matilda seems very harsh to me.
Both are excellent names, but I’m especially fond of [name_f]Matilda[/name_f]. And at least where I live, I encounter more Margarets than I do Matildas. That being said, [name_f]Mae[/name_f] makes more sense to be as a nn for [name_f]Margaret[/name_f], though it definitely can worth with both.
I love [name_f]Mae[/name_f]! I voted [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] because I have always liked it, but I really don’t think you can go wrong.
Both are lovely, but there are a lot of little [name_f]Matilda[/name_f]'s out there. [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] is sweet.
[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] for sure!!
I prefer [name_f]Matilda[/name_f], as I do find [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] very dated, and I think that [name_f]Mae[/name_f] would make a lovely nickname for [name_f]Matilda[/name_f], unexpected, but it works beautifully.
I chose [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] - which my 7 year old chose 
[name_f]Susan[/name_f]
I love [name_f]Margaret[/name_f], she’s in need of a comeback!
I voted [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] but both are very sweet. You can’t go wrong.
I like both names equally, but I voted for [name_f]Margaret[/name_f], as I think it lends itself more naturally to [name_f]Mae[/name_f] as a nn.
Have you considered [name_f]Mavis[/name_f] or [name_f]Mabel[/name_f]?
Good luck!
I just love [name_f]Matilda[/name_f]! I don’t really understand the popularity of [name_f]Margaret[/name_f], it sounds serious and boring to me. I know a younger [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] who is a bit more of an artsy/alternative type and I can’t help feeling like it really doesn’t fjt her. [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] is much more versatile imo.
I prefer [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] over [name_f]Margaret[/name_f], perhaps because I know so many Margarets (in their 30’s mostly). [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] just feels more exciting and youthful to me.
I also want to ask if you’d prefer to just use [name_f]Mae[/name_f]. Please, please, please ignore me if this is your family’s personal tradition, but in broader Jewish tradition, it is perfectly ok to use the same full name. It just may not be very common, especially among the American Jewish community, as many of the English names taken on or given to the immigrants and first generation are quite dated. Hebrew (or Yiddish) names are passed on, usually in the identical form (please pardon me if you know this - I don’t want to be pedantic - I just want you to be able to choose the name you love). So, if you prefer [name_f]Mae[/name_f], there shouldn’t be anything stopping you (unless of course, as I said, this is your own family’s personal tradition).
I love how strong and spunky [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] is, while also being elegant and feminine. It feels so regal, partly because of the association with the figure from English history.
Also, while [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] is currently more popular, [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] is a very popular name for women aged 50+ and has remained in somewhat common use in the decades since, so if you look at the overall population rather than just young children there are a lot more Margarets than Matildas out there.
His family only uses first initial - which in some ways is nice because you have flexibility, but when it’s a name like [name_f]Mae[/name_f] or [name_m]Benjamin[/name_m], which we actually like it kind of stinks! They typically pass the Hebrew name on directly, but for first names they only use the initial. When the time gets a little closer, he’s going to talk to his mom because we both really love [name_f]Mae[/name_f] and can’t agree on a longer form.
It’s funny how consistent the poll has stayed percentage wise.
Thanks everyone for the input!