Wilmina is a unique and elegant name of German origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'wil' meaning 'will' or 'desire', and 'mina' which means 'protection'. The name Wilmina can be translated to mean "protection of the will" or "strong-willed protection".
The name Wilmina has a rich history and was first used as a given name in the Middle Ages. It is believed that the name was initially used as a diminutive of Wilhelmina, which was popular among German nobility during this period. However, over time, Wilmina evolved into an independent given name in its own right.
Despite its historical roots, Wilmina remains relatively uncommon today and is often associated with uniqueness and individuality. Its distinctive sound and elegant meaning make it a compelling choice for parents looking for a memorable name for their daughter.
The name Wilmina was not particularly popular in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, with a total of only 153 babies given this name between 1913 and 1944.
In fact, there were years where no babies named Wilmina were recorded at all. However, there were some periods where the name gained slight popularity, such as in 1915 when 19 births were registered, or in 1924 with 10 births.
Interestingly, the name Wilmina seemed to have a resurgence in popularity during World War II, with five babies named Wilmina born in both 1941 and 1944. This could potentially be attributed to the influence of the war on naming trends, but it is important to note that these numbers are still relatively low compared to other names of the time.
Overall, while Wilmina was not a common name during this period, it does appear that there were occasional periods where the name gained some traction. However, with only 153 total births recorded over three decades, it remains a rare and unique name in American history.