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Wilene
Pronounced wih-LEEN /wɪˈliːn/Low
Meaning: Wilene is a Southern-American name that feminizes William, or its short form Will, with the fashionable '-ene' or '-lene' ending. William itself comes from the Germanic Willahelm, 'resolute protector' (will, 'desire,' plus helm, 'helmet, protection'). It sits beside Willene, Wilma and Wilda as a way of carrying a father's name to a daughter.Low
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
Wilene feminizes William, from the Germanic Willahelm, 'resolute protector,' by adding the '-lene' ending popular in the early twentieth century. It belongs with Willene and Wilda as a family-honoring coinage of the American South.
It was never common, given to only about fifteen girls a year even at its peak in the late nineteen-thirties, and had faded by the nineteen-fifties. A Wilene born then would be a grandmother or great-grandmother today.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Wilene mean?
It is a Southern coinage feminizing William, 'resolute protector,' with a '-lene' ending.
How do you pronounce Wilene?
It is said wih-LEEN /wɪˈliːn/ - two syllables, stress on the second.
Is Wilene a boy or girl name?
Wilene is used as a girl's name.
How popular is Wilene?
It was always rare in the United States, given to only about fifteen girls a year even at its peak in the nineteen-thirties.