Wilhelmina is a feminine given name of German origin. It is composed of two elements: "wilhelm," which means "resolute protection" or "strong-willed helmet," and "-mina," which is a popular suffix in women's names, often meaning "mine" or "of the mine." Thus, Wilhelmina can be interpreted as "strong-willed protection (is) mine" or "strong-willed helmet (is) of the mine."
The name Wilhelmina has a rich history. It first gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Germany, where it was used as a female counterpart to the male name Wilhelm. In the 19th century, the name became more widespread throughout Europe due to its use by several royal figures, such as Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands (reigned from 1890 to 1948). Today, Wilhelmina is still used in various countries, particularly in the Netherlands and Germany, but it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names.
In popular culture, a notable figure named Wilhelmina is Wilhelmina Cooper, an American supermodel who was active during the 1960s and 1970s. She is considered one of the first African-American supermodels to achieve international success. Additionally, there are fictional characters named Wilhelmina in various works of literature, films, and television shows, further contributing to the name's recognition.
In summary, Wilhelmina is a historic feminine given name of German origin, composed of two elements that together convey a sense of strength and protection. With its royal connections and notable figures bearing the name, Wilhelmina carries an air of elegance and uniqueness.
The name Wilhelmina has seen a varied trend of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1880 and 1976, there were significant fluctuations in the number of babies named Wilhelmina each year, with a peak of 301 births in 1915.
Interestingly, after a decline in popularity throughout the mid to late 20th century, the name Wilhelmina started to regain traction in recent years. In 2007, there were 31 births recorded for this name, and since then, it has continued to rise steadily. By 2022, there were 139 babies named Wilhelmina, indicating a resurgence in its popularity.
Overall, from 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 12,840 births recorded for the name Wilhelmina in the United States. This demonstrates that while Wilhelmina may not have always been one of the most popular names, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout American history and continues to be chosen by parents today.