What does Wilhelmine mean and where does it come from?
Wilhelmine is a feminine variant of the traditional male name Wilhelm, which originates from Old German roots. The name gained popularity particularly in Germany and the Netherlands around the 19th century. Historical significance includes its use among European royalty, such as Princess Wilhelmine
Cultural significance
Wilhelmine has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of resolute protection.
Peak popularity
Reached #604 in 1884 — currently #15062 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Wilhelmine?
Wilhelmine works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Wilhelmine Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Wilhelmine Rose
Floral · soft ending
Wilhelmine Mae
Sweet · timeless
Wilhelmine Claire
French influence · crisp
Wilhelmine Jane
Literary · strong
Wilhelmine Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Wilhelmine right now?
Falling — down 11032 spots — currently #15062 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #15062 | 6 | ▼ down 11032 · -14% births |
| 1925 | #4030 | 7 | ▼ down 1127 · -36% births |
| 1920 | #2903 | 11 | ▼ down 1161 · -42% births |
| 1915 | #1742 | 19 | ▼ down 209 · +90% births |
| 1910 | #1533 | 10 | ▼ down 428 · -17% births |
| 1905 | #1105 | 12 | ▲ up 73 · +9% births |
| 1900 | #1178 | 11 | ▼ down 446 · -42% births |
| 1895 | #732 | 19 | ▲ up 165 · +90% births |
| 1890 | #897 | 10 | ▼ down 89 · +25% births |
| 1885 | #808 | 8 | ▲ up 24 · +33% births |
| 1880 | #832 | 6 | — |
The story of Wilhelmine
Wilhelmine has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 519 total births recorded, Wilhelmine remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #832 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #15062 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Wilhelmine in 1884:
Wilhelmine by decade
Wilhelmine peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 87 | |
| 1890s | 135 | |
| 1900s | 72 | |
| 1910s ★ | 143 | |
| 1920s | 65 | |
| 1930s | 17 | |
💎Wilhelmine has only 519 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Wilhelmine?
DUTCH
ElmaHelmaMienMinaWilWillyWilma
ENGLISH
MinaMinnieVelmaWillaWilma
Famous people named Wilhelmine
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Wilhelmine (Norse explorer)
Wilhelmine carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
W(
Wilhelmine (Scandinavian royal)
Wilhelmine held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
W(
Wilhelmine (German philosopher)
Wilhelmine used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
W(
Wilhelmine (Scandinavian royal)
Wilhelmine held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Wilhelmine?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Wilhelmine also consider these
How is Wilhelmine written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Wilhelmine?
Common questions about the name Wilhelmine
What does the name Wilhelmine mean?
Wilhelmine means "Resolute protection" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Wilhelmine?
Wilhelmine is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Wilhelmine?
Wilhelmine originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Wilhelmine?
Wilhelmine is a three-syllable name pronounced W IH1 L HH IH0 L M IH0 N. 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 Wilhelmine?
Wilhelmine pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Germanic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.