MACHTELD.  A Dutch form of German Mahthild (q.v.), meaning "courageous maiden," from moedige "courageous" and hilde "maiden."  Also spelled Mechteld. (Navorscher, Leendertz, v.4, 1854).  Usage: Germany, Holland. 

... A few days later, Machteld, who was a handy girl of twelve, came with her brother, and sat by his side in Michael's sitting-room, trying to get to the bottom of the b a, ba, b o, bo, bu, bu.  After the lesson she remained with Frau Stehelin, waiting for Henni's return from Thoriau, where he had gone with the coal.
    "Machteld," said Frau Stehelin, "you might as well do a bit of knitting till your brother comes back."... (The Sunday Magazine, Guthrie, 1867).