Wilder Name Meaning: Origins and Significance
Wilder Name Meaning and Origin
If you’re considering the name Wilder for your child, you might be wondering about its meaning and origin. This section will explore the etymology of Wilder, as well as its German and English origins.
Etymology
The name Wilder is derived from the Old English word “wilde,” which means wild, untamed, or uncontrolled. As a name, Wilder is a word name, which means it is a name that is also a common word in the English language.
German Origin
Wilder is also a German surname, which means “untamed” or “wild.” It is derived from the German word “wild,” which has the same meaning as the Old English word “wilde.” The surname Wilder is most common in Germany and Austria.
English Origin
Wilder is an English surname that is most commonly found in the southeastern part of England, especially in Berkshire. It is likely that the surname originated as a nickname for someone who was wild or had a wild, untamed personality.
According to Merriam-Webster, the name Wilder first appeared in the United States as a given name in the late 19th century. It was most likely inspired by the surname Wilder, which was already in use as a surname in the United States.
In recent years, the name Wilder has become more popular as a given name in the United States. It entered the top 1000 names for boys in 2015 and has been steadily rising in popularity ever since.
Overall, the name Wilder has a strong and unique meaning that is rooted in the idea of being wild and untamed. If you’re looking for a name that is both modern and full of history, Wilder might be the perfect choice for your child.
Popularity of the Name Wilder
If you’re considering naming your baby boy or girl Wilder, you’re not alone. This name has been growing in popularity in recent years, appearing on many parents’ possibility lists. In this section, we’ll explore the popularity of the name Wilder, including its ranking on baby name charts, hottest baby names lists, and similar names.
Wilder as a Baby Name
According to Nameberry, Wilder is both a boy’s name and a girl’s name of English origin. It’s a surname or word name that means “untamed” or “unruly.” The name Wilder is currently not in the top 100 on the Baby Names Popularity Charts, but it has been rising in popularity since it first appeared on the charts in 2015. In 2022, Wilder was ranked #373 in U.S. births.
Hottest Baby Names
Wilder is part of the new generation of “bad boy” names that are growing in popularity. It’s a bold and daring name that evokes images of adventure and courage. It’s no wonder that Wilder is one of the hottest baby names of the moment. In fact, in 2022, Wilder was the 87th hottest boy’s name on Nameberry.
Similar Names
If you’re looking for similar names to Wilder, you might consider names like Hunter, Maverick, Ryder, or Phoenix. These names have a similar feel to Wilder and are also growing in popularity.
Overall, Wilder is a unique and trendy name that is sure to make your baby stand out. It’s a great choice for parents who are looking for a name that’s both bold and daring.
Wilder as a Surname
If you are looking for the meaning of the surname Wilder, you have come to the right place. Wilder is an interesting surname that has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon period. The name is derived from the Old English word “wildēor,” which means “wild animal.” The name was likely given to someone who was wild or untamed, or who lived in a wild or untamed place.
Famous Personalities
There have been several famous people with the surname Wilder throughout history. One of the most well-known is Douglas Wilder, who was the first African American to be elected as governor of Virginia in the United States. Wilder was a trailblazer in American politics and his election was a significant moment in the country’s history.
Regional Distribution
The Wilder surname is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southeastern region of the country. According to the Dictionary of American Family Names, the name is most common in the state of Vermont, where it ranks as the 691st most popular surname. It is also relatively common in Massachusetts, New York, and California.
Overall, the Wilder surname has an interesting history and has been carried by several notable individuals throughout history. Whether you are a Wilder yourself or just interested in the history of surnames, there is much to learn and appreciate about this unique name.
Wilder in Popular Culture
Wilder is a name that has made its way into popular culture through various mediums. From literature to movies and TV, the name has been used in different ways to represent different characters and personalities.
Wilder in Literature
One of the most famous literary figures with the name Wilder is Thornton Wilder. Thornton Wilder was an American playwright and novelist who won three Pulitzer Prizes for his work. His most famous work, “Our Town,” is a play that explores the lives of people in a small town in New Hampshire. Wilder’s use of the name in his work has helped to popularize it among readers and literature enthusiasts.
In addition to Thornton Wilder, Laura Ingalls Wilder is another literary figure with the name. Laura Ingalls Wilder was an American writer known for her “Little House on the Prairie” series of books. The series follows the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family as they move from place to place in the American Midwest during the late 19th century. The use of the name in the series has helped to make it a popular choice for baby names.
Wilder in Movies and TV
The name Wilder has also been used in movies and TV shows as a character name. One of the most famous characters with the name is Willy Wonka, portrayed by Gene Wilder in the 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” The character is a quirky and eccentric candy maker who invites a group of children to tour his factory.
Another character with the name is Alec Wilder, a fictional character in the TV show “Gilmore Girls.” Alec Wilder is a musician and composer who becomes romantically involved with one of the main characters, Lorelai Gilmore.
Billy Wilder is another famous figure with the name. Billy Wilder was an Austrian-born American filmmaker who directed and produced many classic movies, including “Some Like It Hot” and “Sunset Boulevard.” His use of the name in his work has helped to make it a popular choice for baby names.
Overall, the name Wilder has made its mark in popular culture through various mediums. Its use in literature, movies, and TV shows has helped to popularize it among parents looking for unique and meaningful baby names.
Wilder in the Natural World
If you are a nature lover, you might be interested to know that the name Wilder has some interesting associations in the natural world. Here are a few sub-sections that explore the connections between the name Wilder and the untamed world around us.
Animal Associations
The name Wilder brings to mind images of wild and untamed animals, and there are a few creatures that are particularly associated with the name. One of the most well-known is the wild boar, which is often depicted as a fierce and powerful animal in mythology and folklore. In some cultures, the boar is seen as a symbol of courage and strength, which makes it a fitting animal to associate with the name Wilder.
Another animal that is often associated with the name Wilder is the wolf. Like the boar, the wolf is seen as a symbol of strength and power, but it also has a reputation for being fiercely independent and untamed. This makes it a great animal to associate with the name Wilder, which also has connotations of independence and freedom.
Nature and the Name Wilder
In addition to its animal associations, the name Wilder also has some interesting connections to the natural world. For example, the name Wilder is often associated with archery, which is a sport that requires a great deal of skill and precision. Archery is also a sport that is often practiced in natural settings, such as forests and fields, which makes it a fitting activity for someone with the name Wilder.
The name Wilder also has connotations of being in tune with nature and the natural world. This is because the name is often associated with people who are independent, free-spirited, and adventurous, which are all qualities that are highly valued in outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
In conclusion, the name Wilder has some interesting associations in the natural world, from its connections to wild and untamed animals like the wild boar and the wolf, to its associations with archery and a love of nature. Whether you are a fan of the great outdoors or simply appreciate the beauty and power of the natural world, the name Wilder is sure to resonate with you on some level.
The Future of the Name Wilder
Wilder is a name that has been gaining popularity over the past few years, especially in the United States. As parents continue to look for unique and unconventional names for their children, Wilder has become a popular choice for both boys and girls.
One of the reasons for the popularity of the name Wilder is its association with the idea of being free and untamed. In a world where conformity is often encouraged, the name Wilder stands out as a symbol of individuality and independence.
Looking into the future, it is likely that the name Wilder will continue to be a popular choice for parents who want to give their children a name that is both unique and meaningful. With its association with the idea of being free and untamed, Wilder is a name that will appeal to parents who want their children to be independent thinkers and free spirits.
However, as with any name that becomes popular, there is a risk that Wilder will become overused and lose its uniqueness. It is important for parents to remember that while Wilder is a great name, it is not the only unique name out there. There are plenty of other unconventional names that can be just as meaningful and special.
In conclusion, the future of the name Wilder looks bright. As parents continue to look for unique and unconventional names for their children, Wilder will remain a popular choice. However, it is important for parents to remember that while Wilder is a great name, there are plenty of other unique names out there that can be just as meaningful and special.
Other Notable Namesakes
Wilder in Music
The Wilder name has appeared in the music industry in various forms. One of the most famous Wilders in music is Gene Wilder, an American actor and comedian who was also a singer and songwriter. He co-wrote and performed the song “Pure Imagination” in the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Another notable musician with the Wilder name is Michael Hurley, an American folk singer and songwriter who has been active since the 1960s. His music has been described as “quirky” and “offbeat” and he has released over 20 albums throughout his career.
Wilder in Medicine
The Wilder name has also appeared in the field of medicine. One notable Wilder in medicine is Wilder Penfield, a Canadian neurosurgeon who is known for his work on the human brain. He was one of the first doctors to use electrical stimulation to map the brain and his work helped to advance the field of neurosurgery. Another Wilder in medicine is Wilder Graves Penfield II, an American neurosurgeon who is known for his work on the heart. He co-authored the book “The Heart: Its Function in Health and Disease” and his work has helped to improve our understanding of the heart and its functions.
Overall, the Wilder name has appeared in a variety of fields and industries, from music to medicine. Regardless of the field, Wilders have made significant contributions to their respective areas of expertise.
