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 #3705 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Wilma?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Wilma Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Wilma Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Wilma Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Wilma Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
Wilma Brynn
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Wilma right now?
Rising fast — up 329 spots — currently #3705 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3705 | 41 | ▲ up 329 · +11% births |
| 2024 | #4034 | 37 | ▼ down 2872 · -96% births |
| 2023 | #1162 | 1,038 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1167 | 1,018 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1172 | 988 | ▲ up 2641 · +2570% births |
| 2020 | #3813 | 37 | ▲ up 667 · +19% births |
| 2015 | #4480 | 31 | ▲ up 493 · +11% births |
| 2010 | #4973 | 28 | ▲ up 299 · +17% births |
| 2005 | #5272 | 24 | ▼ down 871 · -11% births |
| 2000 | #4401 | 27 | ▼ down 1750 · -41% births |
| 1995 | #2651 | 46 | ▼ down 474 · -22% births |
| 1990 | #2177 | 59 | ▼ down 94 · +16% births |
| 1985 | #2083 | 51 | ▼ down 578 · -35% births |
| 1980 | #1505 | 79 | ▼ down 430 · -28% births |
| 1975 | #1075 | 109 | — |
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
Wilma peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| 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 | 115 | |
What are good nicknames for Wilma?
Famous people named Wilma
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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.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →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?
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 WILM-uh. 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.