Wilma
Wilma is a girl's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Resolute protection or desire for protection, derived from Wilhelmina.
Origin and history
Wilma is a short form of Wilhelmina, which derives from the Germanic elements meaning 'will, desire' and 'helmet, protection'. It gained widespread popularity in the early-to-mid 20th century in the United States and remains a familiar classic name. While its usage for newborns has declined significantly, it holds a firm place in American pop culture and athletic history.
Popularity in the United States
140,101 babies in the United States have been named Wilma since 1880. It ranks #289 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1877.
States where it is most popular
- OH (6.5 %)
- MO (6.4 %)
- KY (6.2 %)
- TN (6.1 %)
- IL (5.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 212 |
| 1890-1900 | 1,109 |
| 1900-1910 | 4,012 |
| 1910-1920 | 21,384 |
| 1920-1930 | 39,127 |
| 1930-1940 | 33,188 |
| 1940-1950 | 21,192 |
| 1950-1960 | 12,276 |
| 1960-1970 | 4,526 |
| 1970-1980 | 1,239 |
| 1980-1990 | 609 |
| 1990-2000 | 418 |
| 2000-2010 | 285 |
| 2010-2019 | 300 |
| 2020-2029 | 224 |
Famous people named Wilma
- Wilma Rudolph: Athlete, Olympic Champion
- Wilma Mankiller: Principal Chief, Activist
Nicknames
Wil, Willie
Fun facts
- Wilma originated as a German and Dutch diminutive of Wilhelmina before becoming an independent name worldwide.
- American sprinter Wilma Rudolph became a global icon after winning three gold medals at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
- The name reached high cultural visibility through the animated character Wilma Flintstone in The Flintstones.