Wilhelmina

What does the baby name Wilhelmina mean? Learn about what Wilhelmina means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Wilhelmina - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Wilhelmina
W-I-L-H-E-L-M-I-N-A, is a 10-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Wilhelmina
wil-hel-MEE-nÉ™
veel hel MEE na
Meaning of Wilhelmina
Resolute protector, with gilded helmet, stout protector, desire to protect.
Origin of Wilhelmina
The name 'Wilhelmina' has its roots in Germanic and Dutch languages. It is the feminine form of the name 'Wilhelm', which means 'will' or 'desire' combined with 'helma', meaning 'helmet' or 'protection'. The earliest known use of the name can be traced back to the medieval period, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands. It gained popularity among nobility and royalty, often chosen to honor powerful rulers and leaders.
British Names
Celebrity Names
English Names
German Names
Germanic Names
Polish Names
Scandinavian Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Wilhelmina
Billa
Billy
Elma
Guglielma
Guillema
Helma
Helmina
Helmine
Min
Minka
Minna
Minnie
Valma
Valmara
Velma
Vilhelmina
Vilma
Vilmara
Wilene
Willa
Willeen
Willetta
Willie
Wilma
Wilna
Wimine
Winnie
Popularity of Wilhelmina
Throughout history, the popularity of the name 'Wilhelmina' has fluctuated. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it experienced a notable spike in usage, especially in the Netherlands. This increase in popularity can be attributed to the reign of Queen 'Wilhelmina' of the Netherlands, who ruled from 1890 to 1948. Her strong leadership and dedication to her country inspired many parents to name their daughters after her.
Wilhelmina currently has 106 likes, and is in the top 6% of liked girl's names. The name Jayne is slightly more popular than Wilhelmina.

Etymology of Wilhelmina

The etymology of the name 'Wilhelmina' is closely tied to its Germanic and Dutch origins. The Germanic element 'wil' signifies 'will' or 'desire', representing the strong-willed nature often associated with individuals bearing this name. The element 'helma' symbolizes protection, suggesting a sense of guardianship and strength. When combined, these elements create a name that embodies both determination and resilience.

Cultural Significance of Wilhelmina

The name 'Wilhelmina' holds particular cultural significance in the Netherlands, where it is associated with the country 's rich history and monarchy. Queen 'Wilhelmina', mentioned earlier, played a pivotal role in the nation 's history, guiding it through challenging times such as World War I and World War II. Naming a child 'Wilhelmina' in the Netherlands can be seen as a tribute to the country 's heritage and a nod to its royal lineage.