Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Willma is a name of Germanic origin, meaning 'resolute protector'. It evolved from Old High German and has historical forms like Willemina and Wilhelmina. The name is associated with traits of strength and independence, and it has no biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the late 19th century and remains a unique choice today.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈwɪlmə/
Origin
Germanic
Etymology
Willma is derived from the Germanic elements 'wil' meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection'.
Meaning
resolute protector
Language Evolution
Wilma (Old High German), Willemina (Old German), Wilhelmina (Dutch)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the late 19th to early 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Wilma, Willa, Wilhelmina, Willie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Willma is perceived as a vintage and unique name, often associated with strong and independent women.
Famous People
Willma Rudolph (American Olympic athlete), Willma Smith (American artist)
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 27 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 0 US states, with strongest presence in various regions
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (4 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 4 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) | Girl | 2145th of 9107 | 289 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2331st of 9204 | 248 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4852nd of 12526 | 125 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 18004th of 19264 | 6 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - 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) |
- | - | - | - |
| 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
Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2145th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2331st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4852nd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 18004th out of 19264 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.