Wilder

What does Wilder mean?

Wilder comes from an English word meaning someone or something untamed, drawn from the older Old English root for wild. The name evokes the idea of freedom, open country and an energetic, restless spirit.

As a given name it feels outdoorsy and bold rather than delicate. It suggests movement and independence and can read as both adventurous and quietly literary, especially when heard alongside names such as Atticus or Rowan.

Historical Context

The word behind Wilder goes back to Old English and Germanic roots for wild, originally used to describe untamed land or behaviour. As a surname it developed from occupational or descriptive sources, applied to people who lived in wild or uncultivated areas or who had a wild temperament.

In recent decades Wilder has moved from surname and word use into more common use as a given name, following a trend for nature-inspired and occupation-derived names. It also benefits from literary and artistic associations, notably through figures and characters who have borne the surname or word-form, which lend the name a cultured edge without removing its raw, natural feel.

Popularity of Wilder over time

In 2025, Wilder was given to 743 boys in the US. Wilder has risen sharply over the last 20 years, and is now an uncommon boys' name in the US.

What do parents think of Wilder?