Wilder is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the English surname Wilder, which itself has an interesting history.
The surname Wilder is believed to have originated in England during the Middle Ages. It was likely an occupational name for someone who worked as a wild animal keeper or handler. Alternatively, it could have been a topographical name for someone who lived near a wild area or wood.
Over time, the surname Wilder became popular in America and eventually evolved into a given name. Today, Wilder is often used as both a first name for boys and sometimes even girls.
Despite its popularity, there does not appear to be a widely accepted meaning associated with the name Wilder. However, many people associate it with the idea of being wild or untamed due to its origin and spelling. This interpretation can make Wilder an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and memorable name for their child.
In terms of famous Wilders, one notable example is American author Laura Ingalls Wilder, who wrote the Little House on the Prairie series of books. Her given name was actually Elizabeth, but she later adopted the pen name Laura Ingalls Wilder. This has contributed to the name Wilder's association with literature and creativity. However, it is important to note that there are no historical figures named Wilder whose life stories can be directly linked to the meaning or origin of the name.
In conclusion, Wilder is a unique American given name with an interesting history rooted in English occupational and topographical surnames. While there may not be a widely accepted meaning associated with the name, many people interpret it as being connected to wildness or untamed qualities. Its popularity has grown over time, and it continues to appeal to parents seeking distinctive names for their children.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Wilder has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past two decades in the United States.
From 1914 to 2012, the number of births with the name Wilder fluctuated between a low of 5 births in several years and a high of 93 births in 2012. However, starting from 2013, there has been a notable surge in the popularity of the name Wilder.
In 2013, there were 127 births with the name Wilder, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. This trend continued, with 215 births in 2015, 338 in 2016, and an even more substantial jump to 477 births in 2017.
The most recent data available shows that the popularity of the name Wilder has continued to rise. In 2020, there were 694 births with this name, and in 2021, it reached 889 births. Although there was a slight decrease in 2022, with 864 births, the overall trend shows a steady increase in popularity.
Overall, these statistics indicate that while Wilder was not a particularly common name in the early to mid-20th century, its popularity has grown significantly over time, especially since around 2013.