Boy · 496th of 7,545
Wilber
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
6,875
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1919
Peak Popularity Year
162
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Wilber 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
The name Wilber originates from Old English and means 'resolute, bright will'. It evolved from the historical form 'Wilburh' and has been associated with strong, determined traits. There is no biblical relevance linked to this name, but it gained popularity during the 19th century due to influential figures like William Wilberforce.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈwɪlbər/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Wilber is derived from the Old English name 'Wilburh', which combines the elements 'wil' meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'berht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous'.
Meaning
resolute, bright will
Language Evolution
Wilburh, Wilber
Historical Usage
Wilber gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, influenced by notable figures such as abolitionist William Wilberforce.
Variants & Derivatives
Wilbur, Wil, Will
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Wilber is perceived as a traditional name that carries a sense of strength and determination.
Famous People
William Wilberforce, Wilber Smith, Wilber Pan
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
Less Common name with 162 peak births in 1919
Geographic Spread
Popular across 29 US states, with strongest presence in Nebraska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 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 9 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 496th of 7545 | 2,439 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 670th of 6773 | 1,576 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1357th of 7552 | 621 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2533rd of 10718 | 238 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2504th of 16616 | 401 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2323rd of 24088 | 799 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 3297th of 23106 | 415 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 8681st of 9204 | 6 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 12526th of 12526 | 5 |