Wilma

At a Glance: Name: Wilma – Meaning: will + protection — 'resolute protector,' via Wilhelmina – Origin: German (contraction of Wilhelmina) – Gender: Girl – Pronunciation: WIL-mah

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Wilma is a German name, a contraction of Wilhelmina, and it carries the meaning "resolute protector" from the roots will and protection. It's pronounced WIL-mah (IPA /ˈwɪlmə/), and it has a vintage feel. If you want a short name with old-world roots and a clear, sturdy meaning behind it, Wilma fits that description.

Meaning & Origin of Wilma

Meaning: Will + protection — 'resolute protector,' via wilhelmina.

Origin: German (contraction of Wilhelmina).

Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.

How to Pronounce Wilma

Phonetic: WIL-mah   IPA: /ˈwɪlmə/

Popularity of Wilma

Wilma peaked at #62 in 1925, when 4,175 baby girls were given the name; by 2024 it had dropped all the way to #4100, with just 36 babies named Wilma that year.

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration birth-name data, 1880–2024.

Make Wilma Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Wilma, 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.

• Gertrude
• Hedwig
• Hilda
• Hildegard
• Trudy
• Zelda

FAQ

What does the name Wilma mean?

Will + protection — ‘resolute protector,’ via wilhelmina. (Source: Wiktionary, https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Wilma)

How do you pronounce Wilma?

Wilma is pronounced WIL-mah (IPA: /ˈwɪlmə/).

Is Wilma a popular name right now?

Wilma peaked at #62 in 1925 and is ranked #4100 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)

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