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Home › Baby Names Directory › Wilber

Wilber

♂ Boy

Pronounced WIL-bər /ˈwɪl.bər/High

Meaning: -er spelling of Wilbur — from Germanic wil, 'will, desire', plus beraht, 'bright' (or beorht/burg); 'resolute, bright will'Medium

In 30 seconds: Vintage and warm: Wilber spells Wilbur — 'bright/resolute will' (the Wright brother, and Charlotte's Web's pig). Friendly and retro.
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Origin MediumGerman, English
Meaning-er spelling of Wilbur — from Germanic wil, 'will, desire', plus beraht, 'bright' (or beorht/burg); 'resolute, bright will'
U.S. rank (2025)#4039 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births27 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1919
Total births (all-time)≈ 6,891

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191918802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Wilber is an -er spelling of Wilbur — from Germanic wil, 'will, desire', plus beraht, 'bright' (the exact second element is debated, which we note). A warm, vintage name (Wilbur Wright; Charlotte's Web).

It registers thinly today. Rare, bright-will at the root, and friendly.

Did you know? Wilbur Wright took flight, and Charlotte's Web's Wilbur won hearts — the name joins Germanic 'will' with 'bright'; Wilber is a common -er spelling.
Overall data confidence 70%
Behind the Name — Wilbur — second element debated

Variations

WilburWilbertWilberto

Nicknames

Will

Famous Bearers

  • ★Wilber Marshall (1962-)
    American former NFL linebacker and two-time Super Bowl champion
  • ★Wilber Pan (1980-)
    Taiwanese-American pop singer and actor popular across Asia

If you like Wilber…

Wilbur— the standard spelling
Gilbert— a companion -bert name
Wilson— another Wil- name
Walter— a similarly popular pick
Elmer— another English name

Explore names like Wilber

By themeuncertainenglishvintagegerman
By meaningLight

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Wilber mean?

Wilber spells Wilbur — 'resolute, bright will'; the second element is debated.

How do you pronounce Wilber?

It's said WIL-bər /ˈwɪl.bər/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Wilber a boy or girl name?

Wilber is a boy's name.

How popular is Wilber?

Wilber is a rare name in the U.S.

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