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At a Glance
- Meaning
- Wild one; also historically 'a hunter of wild game'
- Origin
- English (occupational surname)
- Gender
- Boy
- Pronunciation
- WYL-dur
Wilder started out as an English surname before becoming a first name, and its meaning traces back to that occupational root: a hunter of wild game, or simply "wild one." Said WYL-dur, it's a modern boy's name with a bohemian, free-spirit feel — fitting for parents drawn to outdoorsy, nature-inspired, trailblazing styles. It's a name with real history behind the surname, even as it feels contemporary on a birth certificate today.
Meaning & Origin of Wilder
Meaning: Wild one; also historically 'a hunter of wild game'.
Origin: English (occupational surname).
How to Pronounce Wilder
WYL-durIPA /ˈwaɪldər/
Popularity of Wilder
Wilder has held a steady place on the SSA list, ranking #392 in 2024 with 830 boys given the name — just off its peak of #366 in 2021, when 890 boys received it. SSA has been tracking names since 1914, and Wilder's numbers show it settled into modern use rather than spiking and fading.
Names Like Wilder
These names share Wilder’s style, era or origin.
FAQ
What does the name Wilder mean?
Wild one; also historically ‘a hunter of wild game’.
How do you pronounce Wilder?
Wilder is pronounced WYL-dur (IPA: /ˈwaɪldər/).
Is Wilder a popular name right now?
Wilder is near its all-time peak (#366 in 2021), ranked #392 in 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1914–2024.)
Make Wilder Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Wilder, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
📊 How popular is Wilder? See the full popularity history, trend data, and ranking since 1880 with our free Baby Name Popularity Checker.
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