Wilhelmine

Resolute protection
Germanic origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#15062US 2023
6Births / yr
Falling
519All-time births
📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak
How to pronounce Wilhelmine
WILH·ilm·in
/ˈwɪlh.ɪlm.ɪn/ · stress on WILH · 3 syllables
Resolute protection
Germanic origin · Girl name

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
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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
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Wilhelmine
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How popular is Wilhelmine right now?

Falling — down 11032 spots — currently #15062 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 18802023#15062 · Top 11%
1880
1885
1890
1895
1900
1905
1910
1915
1920
1925
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#150626▼ down 11032 · -14% births
1925#40307▼ down 1127 · -36% births
1920#290311▼ down 1161 · -42% births
1915#174219▼ down 209 · +90% births
1910#153310▼ down 428 · -17% births
1905#110512▲ up 73 · +9% births
1900#117811▼ down 446 · -42% births
1895#73219▲ up 165 · +90% births
1890#89710▼ down 89 · +25% births
1885#8088▲ up 24 · +33% births
1880#8326

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 →

DecadeBirths
1880s87
1890s135
1900s72
1910s143
1920s65
1930s17
💎Wilhelmine has only 519 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Wilhelmine?

CROATIAN
Vilma
CZECH
Vilma
DUTCH
ElmaHelmaMienMinaWilWillyWilma
ENGLISH
MinaMinnieVelmaWillaWilma

Famous people named Wilhelmine

W(
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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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.