Wanda is a feminine given name of Polish origin. It comes from the Slavic element "wanda", which means "enchantment" or "charm". The name Wanda has been associated with several historical figures in Poland, most notably Queen Wanda of Poland (also known as Princess Wanda), who was a legendary ruler in the 9th century. She is said to have refused to marry a German prince unless he converted to Christianity and became a protector of her country, which ultimately led to his conversion and the establishment of Christianity in Poland. Despite its historical significance, the name Wanda remains relatively uncommon outside of Poland.
The name Wanda has had a fascinating journey in terms of popularity over the past century and a half in the United States.
In the late 19th century, Wanda was a relatively uncommon name, with fewer than 15 births per year between 1880 and 1890. However, it began to gain traction in the early 20th century, with the number of annual births reaching triple digits by 1903.
The 1920s saw a significant increase in popularity for Wanda, with over 4,000 births each year between 1923 and 1927. This trend continued into the 1930s, peaking at 4,513 births in 1938.
However, the latter half of the 20th century saw a steady decline in the popularity of the name Wanda. By the 1960s, annual births had fallen below 7,000, and they continued to drop steadily throughout the rest of the century.
In recent years, Wanda has become quite rare as a given name in the United States, with fewer than 50 births per year since 2005. Despite this decline, it is worth noting that there were still 23 births recorded in 2022, indicating that some parents continue to choose this distinctive name for their daughters.
In total, over the past century and a half, approximately 281,168 babies have been named Wanda in the United States. While its popularity has waxed and waned over time, Wanda remains a unique and memorable choice for a child's name.