What does Vilma mean and where does it come from?
The name Vilma is derived from the Old German name Wilhelmina, which means 'will,' 'desire,' and 'protection.' It is particularly popular in Latvia and Lithuania. The name has historical significance, as it gained notoriety in the 20th century due to various cultural figures. Variants of the name in
Cultural significance
Vilma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latvia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.
Peak popularity
Reached #478 in 1927 — currently #5536 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latvia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Vilma?
Vilma works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Vilma Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Vilma Rose
Floral · soft ending
Vilma Mae
Sweet · timeless
Vilma Claire
French influence · crisp
Vilma Jane
Literary · strong
Vilma Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Vilma right now?
Rising fast — up 431 spots — currently #5536 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #5536 | 23 | ▲ up 431 · +10% births |
| 2022 | #5967 | 21 | ▲ up 705 · +17% births |
| 2021 | #6672 | 18 | ▼ down 618 · -5% births |
| 2020 | #6054 | 19 | ▲ up 926 · +12% births |
| 2015 | #6980 | 17 | ▲ up 1303 · +21% births |
| 2010 | #8283 | 14 | ▼ down 3157 · -44% births |
| 2005 | #5126 | 25 | ▼ down 1132 · -19% births |
| 2000 | #3994 | 31 | ▼ down 701 · -9% births |
| 1995 | #3293 | 34 | ▼ down 797 · -29% births |
| 1990 | #2496 | 48 | ▲ up 597 · +66% births |
| 1985 | #3093 | 29 | ▲ up 136 · +12% births |
| 1980 | #3229 | 26 | ▼ down 1203 · -40% births |
| 1975 | #2026 | 43 | ▲ up 106 · +13% births |
| 1970 | #2132 | 38 | ▼ down 599 · -28% births |
| 1965 | #1533 | 53 | — |
The story of Vilma
Vilma entered American naming records in 1901 and has been in use for over 123 years. With 4,888 total births recorded, Vilma remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2160 in 1905, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5536 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Vilma in 1927:
Vilma by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 64 | |
| 1910s | 360 | |
| 1920s ★ | 952 | |
| 1930s | 687 | |
| 1940s | 251 | |
| 1950s | 453 | |
| 1960s | 667 | |
| 1970s | 321 | |
| 1980s | 344 | |
| 1990s | 359 | |
| 2000s | 254 | |
| 2010s | 157 | |
| 2020s | 19 | |
💎With 4,888 total births, Vilma is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Vilma?
What names sound and feel like Vilma?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Vilma also consider these
How is Vilma written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Vilma?
Common questions about the name Vilma
What does the name Vilma mean?
Vilma means "Latin" — a name rooted in Latvia tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Vilma?
Vilma is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Vilma have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Vilma?
Vilma originates from Latvia tradition. Latvia names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Vilma?
Vilma is a two-syllable name pronounced V IH1 L M AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Vilma trending right now?
Vilma is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.