Girl · 67th of 12,526
Wanda
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
282,168
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1957
Peak Popularity Year
7,734
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Wanda stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Wanda is a name of Slavic origin, meaning 'shepherdess' or 'wanderer.' It has evolved from the older form Vanda and is associated with legendary figures in Polish folklore. The name has gained historical popularity since the 19th century and is currently seen as charming and vintage. It does not have biblical relevance but is linked to strong female traits. Notable people with this name include comedian Wanda Sykes and singer Wanda Jackson.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈwɑːndə/
Origin
Slavic
Etymology
The name Wanda is believed to have originated from the Slavic word 'vanda,' which means 'shepherdess' or 'wanderer.' It is often associated with the legendary Polish princess Wanda, who is said to have refused to marry a German prince and instead chose to drown herself in the Vistula River.
Meaning
shepherdess, wanderer
Language Evolution
Wanda (modern usage), Vanda (older form)
Historical Usage
Wanda gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in Poland and among Polish communities, and has since spread to other cultures and countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Vanda, Wendie, Wandi
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Wanda is perceived as vintage and charming, often associated with strong, independent women. It saw a resurgence in popularity due to cultural references in media and literature.
Famous People
Wanda Sykes (comedian and actress), Wanda Jackson (singer), Wanda Maximoff (fictional character, also known as Scarlet Witch)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 7,734 peak births in 1957
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Oklahoma
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 2 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3543rd of 7545 | 84 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1606th of 6773 | 350 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1772nd of 7552 | 371 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3477th of 10718 | 140 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 10692nd of 16616 | 27 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 114th of 9107 | 39,460 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 56th of 9204 | 79,453 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 67th of 12526 | 125,461 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 153rd of 19264 | 31,631 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 885th of 27321 | 3,277 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3241st of 35406 | 759 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5336th of 30306 | 292 |