The Tufted Titmouse gets its name from the Old English words "tit," meaning small, and "mase,” meaning bird. The word "mase" eventually became obsolete and was replaced with the word "mouse.” 

The quick-moving tiny bird probably reminded people of the house mouse. The tufted part of its name likely comes from the small upward-swept tuft of feathers on its head.

There are five titmice species endemic to North America. The Tufted Titmouse is a sedentary south-based species that seems to be steadily expanding its range northward.