Wilnesha is of African origin, specifically from the Mandinka ethnic group in West Africa. It is derived from two elements: "wilen" meaning "to hear," and "esha" which means "life." Thus, Wilnesha translates to "hearing life." This name was brought to the Americas through the Atlantic slave trade and has since become a part of African American naming traditions.
"Wilnesha experienced a steady increase in popularity between 1991 and 1999, with five babies named Wilnesha each year from 1997 onwards, totaling twenty births over the eight-year span."