Girl · 85th of 9,204
Wilma
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
140,810
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1925
Peak Popularity Year
4,202
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Wilma stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Wilma is an Old German name derived from 'Willehelm', meaning 'resolute protector'. Its evolution from Willehelm to Wilma reflects a cultural shift towards shorter, more modern names. The name is associated with traits of strength and determination. Wilma has no direct biblical background and gained popularity in the 20th century, especially due to popular culture. Today, it carries a vintage charm and is viewed positively.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈwɪlmə/
Origin
Old German
Etymology
Wilma is derived from the Old German name 'Willehelm', which consists of the elements 'will' meaning 'desire' or 'will' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection'.
Meaning
resolute protector
Language Evolution
Willehelm, Wilhelmina, Wilma
Historical Usage
Wilma gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, and was made famous by the character Wilma Flintstone from the animated television series 'The Flintstones'.
Variants & Derivatives
Wilhelmina, Willa, Willie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Wilma is viewed as somewhat vintage but has gained a sense of charm and nostalgia, often associated with strength and resilience.
Famous People
Wilma Rudolph, American Olympic athlete, Wilma Mankiller, first female chief of the Cherokee Nation, Wilma Flinstone, fictional character from 'The Flintstones'
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
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 4,202 peak births in 1925
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Kentucky
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 4 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 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1847th of 7545 | 284 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1506th of 6773 | 388 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3786th of 7552 | 82 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 85th of 9107 | 56,294 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 85th of 9204 | 55,031 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 240th of 12526 | 22,607 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 803rd of 19264 | 2,806 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2258th of 27321 | 840 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4539th of 35406 | 472 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4298th of 30306 | 400 |