Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Wilhelmina
GirlGerman, Germanic· “resolute protector”
- Meaning
- resolute protector
- Origin
- German, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- wihl-hehl-MEE-nuh
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #1,517
- US babies 2025
- 141
- Best rank
- #215 (1884)
- Peak year
- 1916
Meaning and origin of Wilhelmina
Wilhelmina is a German and Germanic name that means “resolute protector”.
Wilhelmina is the feminine form of Wilhelm, the German equivalent of William, built from Germanic elements meaning will or desire and helmet or protection. It is usually translated as "resolute protector." The name gained royal prestige through Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, who reigned from 1890 to 1948 and became a symbol of Dutch resistance during the Second World War. In English it is said wihl-hehl-MEE-nuh. Long and stately, it appeals to parents who like vintage names with plenty of nickname options, including Mina, Willa, Billie, Wilma and Minnie.
Popularity over time
Wilhelmina has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 72 different years. Its best national rank was #215 in 1884, and the most babies received it in 1916, when 320 were named Wilhelmina. In 2025, 141 babies were named Wilhelmina, and it ranked #1,517 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #464 in 1920, #784 in 1950, #4,514 in 1980, #9,142 in 2000, #3,810 in 2010, and #1,517 in 2025. Of the 13,094 US girls named Wilhelmina since records began, 17% were born in the 1910s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 2,038 babies. Since 2010, 1,727 more have been named Wilhelmina.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Maurine, Zella, Alvina, Mayme, and Oma.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Wilhelmina ranked highest in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | #608 | 8 |
| Michigan | #959 | 8 |
| Maryland | #990 | 5 |
| Arizona | #1204 | 5 |
| Pennsylvania | #1224 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Wilhelmina is usually pronounced wihl-hehl-MEE-nuh, with four syllables. It has ten letters, starts with W and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Wilhelmina
A few middle names that flow with Wilhelmina: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Wilhelmina
Similar names
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Lists that include Wilhelmina
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Wilhelmina mean?
Wilhelmina is a German and Germanic name that means “resolute protector”.
What is the origin of the name Wilhelmina?
Wilhelmina has German and Germanic roots. Wilhelmina is the feminine form of Wilhelm, the German equivalent of William, built from Germanic elements meaning will or desire and helmet or protection.
Is Wilhelmina a popular name?
Not especially. Wilhelmina ranked #1,517 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Wilhelmina a boy or girl name?
Wilhelmina is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Wilhelmina?
Wilhelmina is usually pronounced wihl-hehl-MEE-nuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings