Wilbur
Wilbur is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Wild boar, or strong/resolute fortress.
Origin and history
Wilbur is a traditional English name derived from Old English elements meaning 'wild boar' or 'will' combined with 'fortress'. It was a common name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. Today, it is used infrequently for American newborn boys, carrying a vintage classic feel.
Popularity in the United States
56,906 babies in the United States have been named Wilbur since 1880. It ranks #465 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1749.
States where it is most popular
- OH (8.5 %)
- PA (8.4 %)
- IL (6.7 %)
- IN (5.1 %)
- NY (4.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 914 |
| 1890-1900 | 1,142 |
| 1900-1910 | 1,839 |
| 1910-1920 | 12,411 |
| 1920-1930 | 15,713 |
| 1930-1940 | 9,044 |
| 1940-1950 | 5,962 |
| 1950-1960 | 4,133 |
| 1960-1970 | 2,572 |
| 1970-1980 | 1,273 |
| 1980-1990 | 782 |
| 1990-2000 | 433 |
| 2000-2010 | 259 |
| 2010-2019 | 251 |
| 2020-2029 | 178 |
Famous people named Wilbur
- Wilbur Wright: Aviation Pioneer, Inventor
- Wilbur Smith: Author, Novelist
- Wilbur Scoville: Pharmacist, Researcher
Nicknames
Will, Willie, Bill
Fun facts
- Wilbur Wright was one of the Wright brothers who invented and flew the world's first successful motor-operated airplane.
- Wilbur is the name of the beloved protagonist pig in E.B. White's classic children's novel Charlotte's Web.