Wilder

At a Glance: Name: Wilder – 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

Phonetic: WYL-dur   IPA: /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.

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration birth-name 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.

Names With a Similar Story

Derived from shared style, era, and origin data (or, for names we have no style data for, a similar Social Security popularity trajectory) — not a hand-picked list.

• Bentley
• Bryer
• Colt
• Shepard
• Stone
• Alder

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.)

More Baby Name Inspiration

• Check any name’s popularity history
• Take the naming-style quiz
• Make art for a different name