A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Vilma since 1901
Babies named Vilma per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 64 |
| 1910s | 360 |
| 1920s | 952 |
| 1930s | 687 |
| 1940s | 251 |
| 1950s | 455 |
| 1960s | 666 |
| 1970s | 321 |
| 1980s | 345 |
| 1990s | 359 |
| 2000s | 254 |
| 2010s | 158 |
| 2020s | 117 |
Meaning & origin
Vilma, a short form of Wilhelmina, peaked in the United States in 1927, reflecting the popularity of Germanic names in the early 20th century. After a long decline, it has been rising again since 2012, though it remains relatively rare. In 2025, it ranked 7,491 with about 1 in 114,805 newborns named Vilma. The name is primarily given to girls and has a vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking a classic but uncommon choice.
Vilma is a short form of Wilma, which derives from the Germanic name Wilhelmina, a feminine form of Wilhelm (William). The name combines 'wil' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection), thus meaning 'will-helmet' or 'determined protector.' It gained popularity in the early 20th century, especially in the 1920s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Villy, Mimi
Sibling names for Vilma
Names that share Vilma's style, for a brother or sister.
