Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Wilburn is an Old English name meaning 'the stream of desire', derived from the elements 'wil' and 'burna'. Its historical forms include Wilbern and Wilburne. The name has gained popularity since the 19th century, often symbolizing nature and strength. It does not have biblical relevance. Variants include Wil and Burn, and it is currently seen as a unique name with a rustic charm.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈwɪlbərn/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Wilburn is derived from the Old English elements 'wil', meaning 'desire' or 'will', and 'burna', meaning 'stream' or 'brook'. Therefore, it can be interpreted as 'the stream of desire' or 'the willful brook'.
Meaning
the stream of desire
Language Evolution
Wilbern, Wilburne, Wilburn
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the 19th century in England and later in America, often associated with a sense of nature and strength.
Variants & Derivatives
Wil, Burn, Wilb
Modern Popularity & Image
Wilburn is perceived as a unique and traditional name that carries a rustic charm, often associated with nature and heritage.
Famous People
Wilburn Burchett, Wilburn Smith
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 317 peak births in 1926
Geographic Spread
Popular across 19 US states, with strongest presence in Arkansas
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 (3 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 3 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 371st of 7545 | 4,090 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 418th of 6773 | 3,516 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 791st of 7552 | 1,652 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1460th of 10718 | 566 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4624th of 16616 | 162 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 14010th of 24088 | 38 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 23106th of 23106 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 9107th of 9107 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 8072nd of 9204 | 10 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
31.14% 441st/1416 |
- |
9.85% 233rd/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
34.73% 537th/1546 |
- |
11.90% 280th/2353 |
55.33% 856th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
42.34% 943rd/2227 |
- |
20.29% 579th/2853 |
49.15% 1364th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
30.44% 1071st/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Arkansas across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 371st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 418th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 791st out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1460th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4624th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 14010th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 23106th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 9107th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 8072nd out of 9204 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.