Wilma
“will helmet (protection)”
Germanic origin · Girl name
#1162US 2023
1kBirths / yr
→Stable
140.6kAll-time births
📅 Since 1880🏆 29 years in top 1000.34% of births at peak
How to pronounce Wilma
WILM·uh
/ˈwɪlm.ə/ · stress on WILM · 2 syllables
“will helmet (protection)”
Germanic origin · Girl name
What does Wilma mean and where does it come from?
Wilma is derived from the Germanic name 'Wilhelmina', which is a feminine form of 'Wilhelm'. The name became popular in the English-speaking world in the 19th century. Wilma has been notably popular in the United States and has been used in various cultural contexts, such as the beloved character Wi
Cultural significance
Wilma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of will helmet (protection).
Peak popularity
Reached #62 in 1925 — currently #1162 in the US.
What middle names flow best with Wilma?
Wilma works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Wilma Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Wilma Rose
Floral · soft ending
Wilma Mae
Sweet · timeless
Wilma Claire
French influence · crisp
Wilma Jane
Literary · strong
Wilma Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Wilma right now?
Holding steady — currently #1162 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
The story of Wilma
Wilma has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #62 in 1925. More than 140,629 babies have been named Wilma since 1880. Once ranked #942 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1162 in 2023. Wilma is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Wilma in 1925:
Wilma by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 212 | |
| 1890s | 1,109 | |
| 1900s | 4,022 | |
| 1910s | 21,490 | |
| 1920s ★ | 39,345 | |
| 1930s | 33,421 | |
| 1940s | 21,320 | |
| 1950s | 12,322 | |
| 1960s | 4,532 | |
| 1970s | 1,238 | |
| 1980s | 606 | |
| 1990s | 416 | |
| 2000s | 268 | |
| 2010s | 291 | |
| 2020s | 37 |
What are good nicknames for Wilma?
Common
WilWi
Famous people named Wilma
W(
Wilma (Germanic saint)
Wilma spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
W(
Wilma (medieval German ruler)
Wilma bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
W(
Wilma (Norse explorer)
Wilma carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
W(
Wilma (German philosopher)
Wilma used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
What names sound and feel like Wilma?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Wilma also consider these
How is Wilma written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Wilma?
Wilhelm ANCIENT GERMANICWillahelm ANCIENT GERMANICGwilherm BRETONGuillem CATALANVilim CROATIANVilko CROATIANVilém CZECHVilhelm DANISHJelle DUTCHPim DUTCHWil DUTCHWilhelmus DUTCHWillem DUTCHWilly DUTCHWim DUTCHBill ENGLISHBillie ENGLISHBilly ENGLISHLiam ENGLISHWil ENGLISHWill ENGLISHWilliam ENGLISHWillie ENGLISHWilly ENGLISHVilĉjo ESPERANTOVilhelmo ESPERANTOVillem ESTONIANJami FINNISHVilhelm FINNISHVilhelmi FINNISHVilho FINNISHVili FINNISHViljami FINNISHViljo FINNISHVille FINNISHGuillaume FRENCHWilhelm GERMANWilli GERMANWilly GERMANWim GERMANVili HUNGARIANVilmos HUNGARIANVilhjálmur ICELANDICLiam IRISHUilleag IRISHUilliam IRISHUlick IRISHGuglielmo ITALIANVilhelms LATVIANVilis LATVIANWöllem LIMBURGISHWullem LIMBURGISHWum LIMBURGISHVilhelmas LITHUANIANIlliam MANXWiremu MAORIWilkin MEDIEVAL ENGLISHWilky MEDIEVAL ENGLISHWilmot MEDIEVAL ENGLISHVilhelm NORWEGIANWilhelm POLISHGuilherme PORTUGUESEUilleam SCOTTISHViliam SLOVAKVili SLOVENEViljem SLOVENEVilko SLOVENEGuillermo SPANISHVilhelm SWEDISHVille SWEDISHGwil WELSHGwilim WELSHGwillym WELSHGwilym WELSHLiam ENGLISHWilkie ENGLISHWillis ENGLISHWilson ENGLISH
Common questions about the name Wilma
What does the name Wilma mean?
Wilma means "will helmet (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 Wilma?
Wilma is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Wilma?
Wilma 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 Wilma?
Wilma is a two-syllable name pronounced W 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 Wilma a common or rare name?
Wilma is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
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