Wilma Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
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.
The name Wilma is most popular in Kentucky, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest 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, Wilma has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Wilma' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1847th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1506th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3786th out of 7552 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 85th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 85th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 240th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 803rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2258th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4539th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4298th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Wilma' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Wilma"
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'
Explore More Wilma Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Wilma"
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 "Wilma"
"Wilma" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Regional Popularity of "Wilma" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
96.75% 2289th/2366 |
- |
| 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 of "Wilma" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
3.18% 45th/1416 |
12.55% 173rd/1379 |
3.63% 86th/2366 |
6.13% 70th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
4.59% 71st/1546 |
10.48% 163rd/1556 |
2.55% 60th/2353 |
6.92% 107th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
11.54% 257th/2227 |
15.14% 368th/2430 |
6.20% 177th/2853 |
13.30% 369th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
25.09% 737th/2937 |
22.85% 796th/3483 |
19.27% 678th/3518 |
36.03% 1457th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
40.11% 1478th/3685 |
53.79% 2407th/4475 |
55.58% 2887th/5194 |
54.55% 3446th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
48.58% 2226th/4582 |
- | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
56.07% 2234th/3984 |
94.54% 4242nd/4487 |
100.00% 6822nd/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity of "Wilma"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Wilma" 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.