Wilda

♀ Girl

Pronounced WIL-duh /ˈwɪl.də/Medium

Meaning: Most likely from the Germanic element wild, 'wild, untamed,' or a short form of names containing it; sometimes linked to Wilhelmina. The exact route is a little uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: Wilda likely comes from the Germanic 'wild', 'untamed'; its route is a little uncertain (said 'WIL-duh').

💕 Browse more names

Origin LowGermanic, English

MeaningMost likely from the Germanic element wild, 'wild, untamed,' or a short form of names containing it; sometimes linked to Wilhelmina. The exact route is a little uncertain, which we note.

U.S. rank (2022)#17604 ↘ Falling

2022 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1926

Total births (all-time)≈ 12,758

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Wilda most likely draws on the Germanic element wild, 'wild, untamed,' or shortens a name containing it; some link it to Wilhelmina. The exact route is uncertain, which we note. It saw modest use in the early twentieth century, cresting around 1926 before fading, now a vintage rarity.

Given to several hundred girls a year at its height, Wilda now reads as a retro 1920s name.

Did you know? Wilda peaked around 1926 and faded through mid-century, an early-century name likely tied to 'wild.'

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Wilda — Likely Germanic 'wild'; possible Wilhelmina link; route uncertain

Variations

WildeWillaVelda

Nicknames

WillieWil

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Wilda…

Willa— a like Wil- name

Velda— a like early-century -da name

Zelda— a like vintage -elda name

Hilda— a like Germanic -da name

Explore names like Wilda

By themeuncertain vintage 1920s germanic-root

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Wilda mean?

Wilda most likely comes from the Germanic element 'wild,' meaning 'untamed'; the exact route is a little uncertain.

How do you pronounce Wilda?

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

Is Wilda a boy or girl name?

Wilda is used as a girl's name.

Is Wilda making a comeback?

Not notably — it's an early-twentieth-century favorite that has been rare for generations, a vintage name of uncertain route.