Wilma

Wilma is a short form of the Old German name Wilhelma and its extended form Wilhelmina. The name Wilma translates to 'the determined protector' and has its roots in the Old German name Wilhelm.

What does the name Wilma mean?

The name Wilma is a short form of Wilhelma and Wilhelmina, both of which have Old German origins. Its meaning is 'the determined protector' and derives from Wilhelm. The origin of the name can be found in the Old High German elements: willio stands for 'will' and 'determination,' while helm means 'helmet' and 'protection.' Wilma is particularly common in Germany and the Netherlands, where it has been used since the 19th century, enjoying significant popularity. Through German immigrants, the name also made its way to the USA. In the 1950s, the name fell into obscurity but is still used today as a girl's name, albeit less frequently. From the late 20th century, the name gained recognition through the character Wilma Flintstone from the American animated series 'The Flintstones' (known in Germany as 'Familie Feuerstein'). Variants of the name in Hungary, Lithuania, and the Nordic countries are Vilma, while the male counterpart is Wilm.

Where does the name Wilma come from?

The etymology of Wilma is of Old High German nature and means 'the determined protector.' The composition of the Old High German words is willio for 'will' and helm for 'protection.' The name is widespread in various languages such as Old German, English, and Dutch.

How do you pronounce Wilma?

The name Wilma is two syllables and has a compact structure. In German pronunciation, it is typically pronounced as 'Wil-ma' [ˈvɪlma], with the first syllable closed and the ending open. The connection of the consonants in the middle provides a stable sound. Wilma radiates a down-to-earth yet vibrant aura - clear, friendly, and present.

When is the name day of Wilma?

The most important name days for Wilma are May 28 (William of Aquitaine) and September 19 (Maria Wilhelmina Émilie de Rodat).

Popularity

In Germany, the girl's name Wilma ranked mostly between 60 and 90 from 1880 to the early 1920s, placing it in the solid midfield of given names. In the late 1910s to early 1920s, the name temporarily reached 35th place in 1915, as well as 41st and 42nd places in 1916 and 1917, respectively, entering the top 50, but it could not maintain a top position permanently.

Nicknames & pet names

Ma / Mima / Wi / Wilhelm / Will / Wille / Willi / Willmavicken / Willy / Wilmaessen / Wilmageld / Wilmalein / Wilmaneuken / Wilmaschnakseln / Wilmchen / Wilmi / Wilmina / Wilms / Wima / Wimi / Wiwa / Wühlmaus

Similar first names

Famous people

• Anneke Wilma Pelmelay (singer from the Netherlands)
• Wilma Briggs (baseball player from America)
• Wilma Burgess (musician from America)
• Wilma Dressel (German rower)
• Wilma Driessen (singer from England)
• Wilma Dunaway (American writer)
• Wilma Dykeman (American writer)
• Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel (American writer)
• Wilma Elles (actress)
• Wilma Flintstone (animated character)
• Wilma Galvante (Filipino film producer)
• Wilma Goich (Italian singer)
• Wilma Klevinghaus (writer from Germany)
• Wilma Kucharek (bishop from the USA)
• Wilma Labate (Italian film director)
• Wilma Landkroon (singer)
• Wilma Lee Cooper (American musician)
• Wilma Lipp (soprano from Austria)
• Wilma Mankiller (American writer)
• Wilma Montesi (Italian model)