Origin & Meaning of the Wilder Surname
What does the last name Wilder mean?
The surname Wilder carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 31,018 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wilder ranks as the #1,131 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wilder come from?
The Wilder surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Wilder name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wilder trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Wilder |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,131 |
| US Count (2010) | 31,018 |
| Per 100K People | 10.52 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wilder
According to the US Census, the Wilder surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 31,018 Americans with the Wilder last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 68.05% |
| Black | 26.33% |
| Hispanic | 2.17% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.47% |
| Native American | 0.74% |
| Two or More Races | 2.24% |
Popularity of Wilder Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wilder surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wilder surname increased by 995 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wilder
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