MallowbyNames

Wendelin

WEN-deh-lin · Of uncertain origin, possibly derived from a Germanic element meaning 'friend' or 'wanderer'.

Peak popularity
1954
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Wendelin since 1912

Babies named Wendelin per year in U.S. Social Security records.

102030192019602000Most births 1954GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1910s065
1920s079
1930s040
1940s236
1950s2070
1960s1130
1970s260
1980s00
1990s00
2000s00
2010s00
2020s00

Meaning & origin

Wendelin is a rare unisex name of Germanic origin, first recorded in the United States in 1946. It reached its peak popularity in 1954, the year it was most frequently given. Despite its long history in Germany, where it is associated with a 7th-century saint, the name has never entered the U.S. top 1000 and remains a distinctive choice. Its trajectory is stable, indicating consistent but minimal usage over the decades, with no particular state showing a concentration. The name's rarity makes it a unique option for parents seeking an uncommon traditional name.

Wendelin is a name of Germanic origin, likely derived from the element 'wend' meaning 'friend' or 'wanderer.' It was historically borne by Saint Wendelin, a 7th-century Irish hermit venerated in Germany. The name has been used in German-speaking regions since the Middle Ages but remains rare in modern times.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Wendel, Wendy

Variants: Wendel, Wendelinus, Wendal

Sibling names for Wendelin

Names that share Wendelin's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

W is for Wendelin, our favorite little person.

W is for Wendelin…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Wendelin's letter becomes Wendelin's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Wendelin's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Wendelin mean?
The meaning of Wendelin is uncertain, but it is thought to derive from Germanic elements meaning 'friend' or 'wanderer.'
How popular is the name Wendelin?
Wendelin is a very rare name in the United States. According to Social Security data, it was first recorded in 1946, reached a peak rank in 1954, and has not appeared in the top 1000 rankings.
Is Wendelin a boy's or girl's name?
Wendelin is considered unisex, though it has historically been used more often for boys in German-speaking regions.