Wendell Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Wendell is a name with Germanic origins, meaning 'to wander'. It has evolved through historical forms such as Wandil and Wendelinus. The name reflects traits of adventure and resilience, with no direct biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 19th century and continues to be viewed as a classic choice.
The name Wendell is most popular in Vermont, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest 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 maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Wendell has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling 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 Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Wendell' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 231st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 192nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 235th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 369th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 663rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1559th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1908th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4931st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3275th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3203rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7197th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 20974th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 30306th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Wendell' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Wendell"
Pronunciation
/ˈwɛndəl/
Origin
Germanic
Etymology
The name Wendell is derived from the Germanic elements 'wend' meaning 'to wander' or 'to go' and 'hild' meaning 'battle'. It has also been associated with the Old High German name 'Wandil', which was used in medieval times.
Meaning
to wander, to go
Language Evolution
Wandil (Old High German), Wendelinus (Latinized form), Wendell (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a given name and surname. It has been used in literature and by notable figures, contributing to its recognition.
Variants & Derivatives
Wendellie, Wendy, Wendelline
Modern Popularity & Image
Wendell is perceived as a classic and somewhat vintage name, often associated with a friendly and approachable character. It remains relatively uncommon, making it distinctive.
Famous People
Wendell Berry (American author and environmental activist), Wendell Wilkie (American lawyer and politician), Wendell Scott (American stock car racing driver)
Explore More Wendell Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Wendell"
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 "Wendell"
"Wendell" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 231st of 7545 | 8,696 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 192nd of 6773 | 13,175 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 235th of 7552 | 18,169 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 369th of 10718 | 7,452 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 663rd of 16616 | 3,519 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1559th of 24088 | 1,424 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1908th of 23106 | 966 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 4931st of 9107 | 54 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3275th of 9204 | 141 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3203rd of 12526 | 259 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 7197th of 19264 | 93 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 20974th of 27321 | 15 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 30306th of 30306 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Wendell" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
11.44% 162nd/1416 |
17.40% 240th/1379 |
12.81% 303rd/2366 |
17.08% 195th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
10.87% 168th/1546 |
14.40% 224th/1556 |
8.07% 190th/2353 |
15.06% 233rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
10.64% 237th/2227 |
12.14% 295th/2430 |
6.31% 180th/2853 |
10.67% 296th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
13.55% 398th/2937 |
12.23% 426th/3483 |
8.07% 284th/3518 |
13.30% 538th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
19.32% 712th/3685 |
15.40% 689th/4475 |
10.22% 531st/5194 |
16.48% 1041st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
42.21% 1934th/4582 |
33.91% 1751st/5164 |
18.64% 1363rd/7313 |
31.73% 2368th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
44.68% 1780th/3984 |
55.85% 2506th/4487 |
27.78% 1895th/6822 |
48.04% 3015th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Wendell" 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) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Wendell"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Wendell" 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.