Wilder Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Wilder originates from Old English, meaning 'wild' or 'untamed.' It has evolved from historical forms like Wilde and Wildar. The name embodies traits of adventure and freedom, with no significant biblical relevance. Its popularity as a given name has increased in recent times, and it is associated with a positive, spirited image.
The name Wilder is most popular in Vermont, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Wilder has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, falling for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Wilder' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3214th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4254th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5438th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8221st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5006th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2684th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 539th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7086th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 9204th out of 9204 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 26403rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3414th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Wilder' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Wilder"
Pronunciation
/ˈwaɪldər/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Wilder is derived from the Old English word 'wilde,' which means 'wild' or 'untamed.' It has also been associated with the Old High German 'wildar,' carrying similar meanings.
Meaning
wild, untamed
Language Evolution
Wilde (Old English), Wildar (Old High German), Wilder (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Wilder gained popularity as a surname in the 19th century and has since evolved into a given name.
Variants & Derivatives
Wild, Wilde
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Wilder is perceived as a trendy and adventurous name, often associated with a free-spirited personality.
Famous People
Wilder Penfield, a renowned Canadian neurosurgeon, Billy Wilder, an influential film director and screenwriter
Explore More Wilder Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Wilder"
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 of "Wilder"
"Wilder" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3214th of 7545 | 106 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4254th of 6773 | 46 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 5438th of 7552 | 24 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8221st of 10718 | 16 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5006th of 16616 | 144 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2684th of 24088 | 643 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 539th of 23106 | 6,468 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 7086th of 9107 | 16 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 9204th of 9204 | 5 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 26403rd of 35406 | 17 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3414th of 30306 | 557 |
Regional Popularity of "Wilder" by Generation for Male 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) |
- | - | - |
60.06% 3794th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
68.16% 3123rd/4582 |
48.99% 2530th/5164 |
38.47% 2813th/7313 |
31.93% 2383rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
13.15% 524th/3984 |
14.49% 650th/4487 |
7.52% 513th/6822 |
8.32% 522nd/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Wilder" by Generation for 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) |
88.13% 3511th/3984 |
- |
52.80% 3602nd/6822 |
51.15% 3210th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Wilder"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Wilder" 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.