Wilder
“Derived from the Germanic 'wild' (untamed) with the agent suffix '-er,' meaning 'one who is wild' or 'one of the wild places.' Wilder carries both Romantic literary associations and outdoor adventurer appeal, feeling equally suited to a nature-loving contemporary child or a character in period fiction.”
Wilder is a boy's name of Germanic origin. Derived from the Germanic 'wild' (untamed) with the agent suffix '-er,' meaning 'one who is wild' or 'one of the wild places.' Wilder carries both Romantic literary associations and outdoor adventurer appeal, feeling equally suited to a nature-loving contemporary child or a character in period fiction.
Associated with American literary tradition through author Thornton Wilder; increasingly used as a given name in contemporary America.
The name Wilder has roots in the Germanic language tradition. It derives from elements meaning “Derived from the Germanic 'wild' (untamed) with the agent suffix '-er,' meaning 'one who is wild' or 'one of the wild places”.
Cultural context: Associated with American literary tradition through author Thornton Wilder; increasingly used as a given name in contemporary America.
As a boy's name, Wilder carries the character of its Germanic heritage while remaining a distinctive and uncommon choice for parents seeking something unique.
Gene Wilder
EntertainmentAmericanActor in Willy Wonka, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein
American actor, director, and writer famous for his iconic roles in 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,' 'Blazing Saddles,' and 'Young Frankenstein,' known for his comedic genius and unique timing.
1933 – 2016
Douglas Wilder
PoliticsAmericanFirst African American governor of Virginia
American politician who served as the 66th Governor of Virginia (1990–1994), making him the first African American elected governor of any U.S. state.
1931 – present
Billy Wilder
EntertainmentAustrian-AmericanDirector of Sunset Boulevard, Some Like It Hot, The Apartment
Legendary Austrian-American film director and screenwriter who directed iconic Hollywood films including 'Sunset Boulevard,' 'Some Like It Hot,' and 'The Apartment,' earning multiple Academy Awards.
1906 – 2002
Thornton Wilder
Arts & LiteratureAmericanPlaywright, author of Our Town and The Bridge of San Luis Rey
American playwright and novelist whose works include 'Our Town' and 'The Matchmaker,' winning three Pulitzer Prizes for his explorations of American small-town life and human connection.
1897 – 1975
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Arts & LiteratureAmericanAuthor of the Little House series, pioneer chronicler
American author best known for the 'Little House' series of autobiographical children's books that chronicled pioneer life in the American West during the late 19th century.
1867 – 1957
What does the name Wilder mean?
Wilder means "Derived from the Germanic 'wild' (untamed) with the agent suffix '-er,' meaning 'one who is wild' or 'one of the wild places.' Wilder carries both Romantic literary associations and outdoor adventurer appeal, feeling equally suited to a nature-loving contemporary child or a character in period fiction.", and is of Germanic origin.
Is Wilder a boy name?
Wilder is primarily used as a boy's name.
What is the origin of the name Wilder?
Wilder is of Germanic origin. Associated with American literary tradition through author Thornton Wilder; increasingly used as a given name in contemporary America.