The nameWilma
Wilma is a short form of Wilhelmina. It was a top 70 American name in the 1920s.
- Girl's name
- German
Meaning
Wilma comes from Wilhelmina, from the Germanic wil, "will", and helm, "helmet".
Origin
German.
History
In the United States Wilma reached 62nd place in 1925. In England and Wales it reached 2277th in 2025.
Did you know?
- Stricken by polio as a child, Wilma Rudolph won three sprint gold medals at the 1960 Rome Olympics.
Famous people named Wilma
- Wilma Rudolph, sprinter
- Wilma Flintstone, cartoon character
Popularity of the name Wilma
Wilma in the United States
Wilma was most popular in the United States in the 1920s, with 39,347 births over the decade, 28% of all recorded babies named Wilma. Its rise began around 1907, and it peaked in 1925. Half of all babies named Wilma in the United States were born before 1931, so it is mostly a great-grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 36 births a year.
Wilma in Norway
Wilma was most popular in Norway in the 2010s, with 346 births over the decade, 44% of all recorded babies named Wilma. Its rise began around 1998, and it peaked in 2018. Half of all babies named Wilma in Norway were born before 2016, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 44 births a year.
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Wilma
Names from the same generation as Wilma, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Wilma? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Wilma with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Wilma side by side with the name of your choice.
Wilma in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Wilma mean?
Wilma comes from Wilhelmina, from the Germanic wil, "will", and helm, "helmet".
What is the origin of the name Wilma?
German.
Is Wilma a girl's or a boy's name?
Wilma is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Wilma?
In 2024, Wilma was the 4032nd most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 36 births.
What are the variants of the name Wilma?
Variants and related names of Wilma include Vilma and Wilhelm.
What are good sibling names for Wilma?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Minna, Marla, Xenia and Talitha for a sister, Nino, Augusto, Adil and Cyril for a brother.
Who are famous people named Wilma?
Wilma Rudolph, sprinter; Wilma Flintstone, cartoon character.