Wilhelmine is a feminine given name of German origin, derived from the male name Wilhelm, which is composed of the elements "wilhelm" meaning "resolute protection" and "minne" meaning "love". The name was popularized by the House of Hohenzollern, as it was borne by several members of this royal family, including Wilhelmine of Bayreuth (1709-1758), who was a patroness of the arts and a famous beauty of her time.
The name Wilhelmine has been used in various forms throughout history. In Germany, the most common variations are Wilhelmina and Guglielmina, while in Scandinavia it is often spelled Vilhelmine or Vilhelmine. Despite its German roots, the name has also been adopted by other cultures, with notable examples including the Dutch artist and designer Wilhelmina (1879-1952) and the American actress Wilhelmina Franklyn (born 1960).
Today, Wilhelmine is still considered a rare but elegant choice for a girl's name. It has a timeless quality that appeals to parents who wish to give their daughter a distinctive and memorable name with a rich historical heritage.
The statistics show that the name Wilhelmine has been used consistently but not overwhelmingly over time in the United States. The peak years for this name were between 1894 and 1917, with a high of 20 births in both 1896 and 1916. However, even during these peak years, Wilhelmine was still not one of the most popular names.
From 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 525 births with the name Wilhelmine in the United States. This demonstrates that while Wilhelmine may not be a common name, it has remained a viable choice for parents over several generations.
It's interesting to note that after a decline in usage from the late 1930s to mid-20th century, there was a single birth recorded with the name Wilhelmine in 2023. This could indicate a potential resurgence of interest in this name among modern parents.