Wendelin is a distinctive and historical given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German element "wendan" meaning 'to turn' or 'change'. This name was borne by several early saints in Europe, including Wendelin of Trier and Wendelin of Lucca. It is traditionally associated with the patron saint of hunters, shepherds, and lost causes.
The name Wendelin gained prominence during the Middle Ages and remained popular among the nobility throughout Europe. Today, it is more commonly found in German-speaking countries, particularly Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, where it continues to be given as a traditional first name for boys.
In terms of pronunciation, Wendelin is typically pronounced as /wen-deh-lin/. It consists of three syllables and rhymes with the word "entinel". The name can also have different spelling variations such as Wendolin or Wendelino, although these are less common.
The name Wendelin experienced a peak of popularity between the years 1950 to 1954 with a significant number of births each year, reaching its highest point in 1952 with 27 births. However, it is notable that there were fewer than 10 births annually from 1968 onwards, suggesting a decline in the name's popularity during this period. Overall, there were a total of 369 children named Wendelin born between 1946 and 1976.