Holding steady.
Popularity of Wilhelmena since 1896
Babies named Wilhelmena per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1919, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Wilhelmena's real moment was 1904.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 6 |
| 1900s | 18 |
| 1910s | 151 |
| 1920s | 194 |
| 1930s | 162 |
| 1940s | 143 |
| 1950s | 84 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Wilhelmena is a classic German feminine name that has seen little use since the early 20th century. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1896 and reached its peak popularity in 1904, after which its usage declined sharply. The name has remained stable in rarity over recent decades, with no significant revival. While it never ranked in the top 1,000 nationally, its historical presence reflects the broader popularity of Germanic names in the early 1900s. The name's meaning, 'resolute protector,' is rooted in ancient Germanic warrior culture, and its variants like Wilhelmina have enjoyed more sustained use, particularly in the Netherlands and Scandinavia. For parents seeking a distinctive yet historically grounded name, Wilhelmena offers a traditional alternative to more common choices like Emma or Olivia.
Wilhelmena is a feminine form of Wilhelm, the German equivalent of William. The name derives from the Old High German elements 'willio' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection), thus meaning 'resolute protector.' It was introduced to England by the Normans and became popular in German-speaking regions, with variants like Wilhelmina appearing in the 19th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Willie, Mena, Minnie
Variants: Wilhelmina, Wilhelmine
Sibling names for Wilhelmena
Names that share Wilhelmena's style, for a brother or sister.
