A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Wendi since 1943
Babies named Wendi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 112 |
| 1950s | 944 |
| 1960s | 4,502 |
| 1970s | 5,946 |
| 1980s | 1,963 |
| 1990s | 572 |
| 2000s | 372 |
| 2010s | 88 |
| 2020s | 23 |
Meaning & origin
Wendi is a variation of the enduring classic Wendy, which became widely known through J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan. The name Wendi, with its distinctive spelling, first appeared in U.S. records in 1943 and saw its peak popularity in 1971, ranking among the top 500 names for girls during the 1970s. While not currently in the top 1000, the name has been rising in use since 2022, suggesting a possible revival. Though it has no strong ties to any particular state or region, Wendi remains a familiar yet uncommon choice, appealing to parents who want a name that feels both friendly and slightly retro.
Wendi is a respelling of Wendy, a name popularized by J.M. Barrie's character Wendy Darling in the 1904 play 'Peter Pan'. Barrie likely derived it from the nickname 'fwendy' used by a young girl, which he modified. The name Wendy has been used since the 19th century, and its variant Wendi emerged in mid-20th-century America.
Where Wendi is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Wendi
Names that share Wendi's style, for a brother or sister.
