What Does the Name Wilma Mean?
Wilma is a girl's name of German (Germanic) origin meaning “will-helmet / resolute protection.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Wilma |
|---|---|
| Gender | female |
| Origin | German (Germanic) |
| Meaning | will-helmet / resolute protection |
| Variants | Wilhelmina, Vilma, Willa, Wilhelmine |
| Popularity | Used in Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia; familiar in English partly via The Flintstones, and currently fashionable in Sweden. |
The meaning and origin of Wilma
The name Wilma means “will-helmet / resolute protection” and has German (Germanic) origins. A short form of Wilhelmina, the feminine of Wilhelm, from Germanic willo 'will, desire' and helm 'helmet, protection'.
Variants and related names
Wilma is related to several other names you may recognize: Wilhelmina, Vilma, Willa, Wilhelmine. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Wilma?
Used in Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia; familiar in English partly via The Flintstones, and currently fashionable in Sweden.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Wilma mean?+
The name Wilma means “will-helmet / resolute protection” and is of German (Germanic) origin.
What is the origin of the name Wilma?+
Wilma originates from German (Germanic).
Is Wilma a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Wilma has trended in the US over time.
Wilma by gender
More girl's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press