What does Wilhelmina mean and where does it come from?
Wilhelmina is a name of Dutch and German origin, derived from the name Wilhelm. The name combines 'will', indicating desire or determination, with 'helm', meaning helmet or protection. It has been a popular royal name across European countries, particularly in the Netherlands, where Queen Wilhelmina
Cultural significance
Wilhelmina has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Dutch-speaking communities, where it reflects values of determined protector.
Peak popularity
Reached #215 in 1884 — currently #1541 in the US.
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Related Reading
Dutch-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Wilhelmina?
Wilhelmina works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Wilhelmina Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Wilhelmina Rose
Floral · soft ending
Wilhelmina Mae
Sweet · timeless
Wilhelmina Claire
French influence · crisp
Wilhelmina Jane
Literary · strong
Wilhelmina Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Wilhelmina right now?
Rising — up 28 spots — currently #1541 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1541 | 139 | ▲ up 28 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1569 | 136 | ▲ up 80 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1649 | 127 | ▲ up 166 · +19% births |
| 2020 | #1815 | 107 | ▼ down 218 · -20% births |
| 2015 | #1597 | 134 | ▲ up 2142 · +227% births |
| 2010 | #3739 | 41 | ▲ up 2504 · +116% births |
| 2005 | #6243 | 19 | ▲ up 2291 · +73% births |
| 2000 | #8534 | 11 | ▼ down 1020 |
| 1995 | #7514 | 11 | ▼ down 1047 · -15% births |
| 1990 | #6467 | 13 | ▼ down 1386 · -7% births |
| 1985 | #5081 | 14 | ▼ down 755 · -18% births |
| 1980 | #4326 | 17 | ▼ down 377 · +6% births |
| 1975 | #3949 | 16 | ▼ down 1681 · -53% births |
| 1970 | #2268 | 34 | ▼ down 750 · -37% births |
| 1965 | #1518 | 54 | — |
The story of Wilhelmina
Wilhelmina has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 12,439 babies have received this name. Once ranked #260 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1541 in 2023. Wilhelmina is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Wilhelmina in 1884:
Wilhelmina by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 680 | |
| 1890s | 1,018 | |
| 1900s | 1,137 | |
| 1910s ★ | 2,241 | |
| 1920s | 2,038 | |
| 1930s | 1,251 | |
| 1940s | 954 | |
| 1950s | 904 | |
| 1960s | 475 | |
| 1970s | 216 | |
| 1980s | 132 | |
| 1990s | 131 | |
| 2000s | 194 | |
| 2010s | 961 | |
| 2020s | 107 | |
What are good nicknames for Wilhelmina?
DUTCH
ElmaHelmaMienMinaWilWillyWilma
ENGLISH
MinaMinnieVelmaWillaWilma
What names sound and feel like Wilhelmina?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Wilhelmina also consider these
How is Wilhelmina written in other languages?
Gender variants of Wilhelmina
Common questions about the name Wilhelmina
What does the name Wilhelmina mean?
Wilhelmina means "Determined protector" — a name rooted in Dutch 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 Wilhelmina?
Wilhelmina is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Wilhelmina have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Wilhelmina?
Wilhelmina originates from Dutch tradition. Dutch 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 Wilhelmina?
Wilhelmina is a four-syllable name pronounced W IH2 L HH EH0 L M IY1 N AA2. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Wilhelmina?
Wilhelmina pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Dutch heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.