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In the Iberian Peninsula at least the name was originally spelt Mafalda. It was introduced by the Italian Princess Mahaut (Maud/Matilda) of Savoy, who married Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal in 1146. A number of her descendents carried the name, including an granddaughter who married the king of Castile and was later beatified.

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The latinate form Matilde only became common centuries later, by German influence I believe. Oddly enough both Mafalda and Matilde are very popular in Portugal nowadays.