Wilda is a unique and distinctive name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "vildus," which means "wild" or "undisciplined." However, it's important to note that there are no historical records of Wilda being used as a given name in ancient Rome or any other period.
The earliest known use of Wilda as a given name was in the United States during the late 19th century. It is believed to have been created by combining elements from other names, such as Wilma and Mildred, possibly influenced by the English word "wild." Despite its unique origin, Wilda has not gained significant popularity as a given name. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, there are only a handful of people named Wilda born each year.
In literature, one notable character named Wilda appears in the novel "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed. However, this novel was published in 2012 and is unlikely to have influenced the name's origin. Instead, it seems that Wilda as a given name emerged independently over time, perhaps inspired by its unique meaning or sound.
In conclusion, Wilda is an unusual and interesting name with a Latin root meaning "wild." While there are no historical records of Wilda being used as a given name in ancient times, it has been used sparingly in the United States since the late 19th century. Its rarity makes it a distinctive choice for those looking for an uncommon name with a meaningful origin.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Wilda has seen a significant amount of popularity and usage in the United States over the past century and a half, with its highest peak in the early to mid-20th century.
From the years 1880 to 1945, there were consistently more than ten births per year with the name Wilda. The most notable increase started around 1912, reaching a peak of 371 births in 1922. This trend continued until the mid-1930s when the number of births began to decline steadily.
However, even after this decline, the name remained relatively popular throughout the mid-century and into the late 20th century, with at least five births per year from 1956 to 2001. Despite a significant drop in popularity, there were still births registered with the name Wilda as recently as 2022.
This long-standing presence of the name Wilda in the United States shows its enduring appeal and recognition among parents over generations. Though it may not be as commonly used today compared to its peak years, it remains a name that continues to appear occasionally, contributing to its overall legacy in American naming trends.