Wilda Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: WIL-duh /ˈwɪldə/
Origin: German; English
Meaning: German: wild; English: brave
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Wilda has its roots in Old English, derived from the word "wild," which means "untamed" or "savage." This etymology reflects a connection to nature and the wilderness, suggesting a spirit of independence and freedom. The transition into modern English likely occurred through the influence of various Germanic languages, where similar forms can be found.
The name has also been associated with the Old High German word "wild," which carries the same meaning, further solidifying its linguistic heritage. Historically, the name Wilda does not have prominent figures or events directly associated with it, unlike more common names.
However, it gained some recognition in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, where names reflecting nature and wildness became more popular. The romanticism of the wilderness during this period may have contributed to the name's appeal, as it resonated with the ideals of exploration and the untamed spirit of the American frontier.
Culturally, Wilda embodies themes of nature and individuality, often associated with a strong, free-spirited character. This connection to the wild has made it a symbol of strength and resilience.
While diminutive forms such as "Willy" or "Wildie" may exist, they are less commonly noted in historical texts. Overall, the name Wilda carries with it a sense of adventure and a deep-rooted connection to the natural world, reflecting the values and sentiments of the eras in which it has appeared.
Famous people named Wilda
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Wilda was first seen in the United States in 1880. Wilda has ranked as high as #546 nationally, which occurred in 1926, and has been most popular in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Louisiana, and Missouri. In the past 5 years the name Wilda has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Wilda (1990)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| FL | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 11 |
| 1882 | 6 |
| 1883 | 11 |
| 1884 | 9 |
| 1885 | 10 |
| 1886 | 14 |
| 1887 | 13 |
| 1888 | 24 |
| 1889 | 25 |
| 1890 | 19 |
| 1891 | 14 |
| 1892 | 31 |
| 1893 | 22 |
| 1894 | 35 |
| 1895 | 31 |
| 1896 | 37 |
| 1897 | 38 |
| 1898 | 49 |
| 1899 | 33 |
| 1900 | 48 |
| 1901 | 38 |
| 1902 | 50 |
| 1903 | 49 |
| 1904 | 60 |
| 1905 | 64 |
| 1906 | 48 |
| 1907 | 58 |
| 1908 | 66 |
| 1909 | 53 |
| 1910 | 77 |
| 1911 | 89 |
| 1912 | 137 |
| 1913 | 133 |
| 1914 | 177 |
| 1915 | 261 |
| 1916 | 283 |
| 1917 | 302 |
| 1918 | 332 |
| 1919 | 310 |
| 1920 | 331 |
| 1921 | 327 |
| 1922 | 371 |
| 1923 | 350 |
| 1924 | 362 |
| 1925 | 393 |
| 1926 | 411 |
| 1927 | 389 |
| 1928 | 361 |
| 1929 | 348 |
| 1930 | 340 |
| 1931 | 276 |
| 1932 | 307 |
| 1933 | 288 |
| 1934 | 255 |
| 1935 | 257 |
| 1936 | 239 |
| 1937 | 230 |
| 1938 | 210 |
| 1939 | 216 |
| 1940 | 205 |
| 1941 | 185 |
| 1942 | 208 |
| 1943 | 182 |
| 1944 | 177 |
| 1945 | 144 |
| 1946 | 156 |
| 1947 | 147 |
| 1948 | 143 |
| 1949 | 152 |
| 1950 | 118 |
| 1951 | 118 |
| 1952 | 107 |
| 1953 | 124 |
| 1954 | 98 |
| 1955 | 90 |
| 1956 | 94 |
| 1957 | 96 |
| 1958 | 87 |
| 1959 | 61 |
| 1960 | 63 |
| 1961 | 42 |
| 1962 | 68 |
| 1963 | 53 |
| 1964 | 37 |
| 1965 | 59 |
| 1966 | 36 |
| 1967 | 33 |
| 1968 | 17 |
| 1969 | 23 |
| 1970 | 19 |
| 1971 | 14 |
| 1972 | 21 |
| 1973 | 26 |
| 1974 | 9 |
| 1975 | 17 |
| 1976 | 14 |
| 1977 | 10 |
| 1978 | 7 |
| 1979 | 17 |
| 1980 | 8 |
| 1981 | 9 |
| 1982 | 15 |
| 1983 | 11 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 8 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 5 |
| 1989 | 7 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 5 |
| 1992 | 7 |
| 1993 | 9 |
| 1994 | 5 |
| 1995 | 6 |
| 1996 | 8 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2022 | 5 |