Wilma

♀ Girl

Pronounced WIL-mah /ˈwɪl.mɑ/High

Meaning: Short form of Wilhelmina — Germanic wil, 'will, desire', plus helm, 'helmet, protection'High

In 30 seconds: Strong-willed and protective: Wilma shortens Wilhelmina — 'will' plus 'helmet'. Vintage, sturdy, and famously Flintstone-fun.

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Origin HighGerman

MeaningShort form of Wilhelmina — Germanic wil, 'will, desire', plus helm, 'helmet, protection'

U.S. rank (2025)#3705 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births41 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1925

Total births (all-time)≈ 140,097

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

Wilma is a short form of Wilhelmina — feminine of William, from Germanic wil, 'will, desire', plus helm, 'helmet, protection'. A vintage favorite, it carries both strength and warmth.

It registers thinly today. Rare, will-helmet at the root, and sturdy.

Did you know? Wilma Rudolph overcame polio to win three Olympic golds — and Wilma Flintstone made the name a household word; its root means 'resolute protection'.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Wilma — etymology

Variations

WilhelminaVilmaWilla

Nicknames

Willa

Famous Bearers

★Wilma Rudolph (1940–1994)
American Olympic sprinter, three-time gold medalist.

If you like Wilma…

Wilhelmina— the name it shortens

Willa— a fellow Wil- short form

Irma— another German name

Lennie— another German name

Gretel— shares Wilma's German roots

Explore names like Wilma

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Wilma mean?

Wilma shortens Wilhelmina, Germanic for 'will' plus 'helmet, protection'.

How do you pronounce Wilma?

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

Is Wilma a boy or girl name?

Wilma is a girl's name.

How popular is Wilma?

Wilma is a rare vintage name in the U.S.