Wilkie is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname "Wilkie," which itself has several possible origins. One theory suggests that Wilkie is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "MacGille Eidith," meaning "son of St. Eithne's servant." Another possibility is that Wilkie is a variant spelling of the Scottish surname "Welch" or "Wilcox," both of which are believed to have originated from Old English names meaning "foreign" or "stranger."
The name Wilkie has been used as a given name since at least the 19th century, although it is still relatively rare compared to other names. It gained some popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in Scotland and among Scottish communities around the world.
There are no specific historical figures associated with the name Wilkie, but notable individuals with this name include Australian cricketer Charlie Wilkie and Scottish footballer John Wilkie. Despite its limited use as a given name, Wilkie has a rich history and cultural significance as a Scottish surname and continues to be recognized as a unique and distinctive name choice for boys today.
Overall, the name Wilkie is a distinct and interesting option for parents looking for a name with a strong Scottish heritage and an intriguing origin story. Its rarity also makes it a standout choice for those seeking a unique name that will help their child stand out from the crowd.
Here are some interesting statistics regarding the name Wilkie:
Over a span of eight years, from 1919 to 1927, there were a total of 18 babies born with the name Wilkie in the United States.
The peak year for this name was 1927, with 7 births recorded that year. This suggests that during this time period, parents were more likely to choose Wilkie as their baby's first name compared to other years.
Interestingly, there were no recorded births of the name Wilkie in the United States in 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, or 1924. This could indicate a shift in popularity for this name over time.
Overall, while not one of the most popular names during this era, Wilkie still held some appeal to parents who chose it for their newborns. It's fascinating to observe these trends and patterns in naming choices throughout history!