Wilkins is an uncommon, yet distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'wylc', which means 'will'. Thus, Wilkins could be interpreted as 'son of Wilkin' or 'strength of will'. This name has been used sparsely throughout history, contributing to its unique character and appeal.
The name Wilkins seems to have been quite popular throughout the 20th century and into the early 21st century, with a total of 286 births recorded over this period. The peak years for the name appear to be around the late 1970s to mid-1980s, with several years having 7 or more births during this time. However, it's worth noting that there have been some fluctuations in popularity, with periods of lower usage such as in the 1920s and 1930s, and again in the late 1950s to early 1960s. Despite these variations, Wilkins remains a name with enduring appeal, as evidenced by its continued presence among birth records into the current decade.