Wilder

Wilder is a masculine given name derived from an English surname, meaning "wild, untamed, uncontrolled," from Old English wilde. The name evokes a sense of freedom, naturalness, and untamed spirit, often associated with someone who is lively, enthusiastic, or fierce. As a surname-turned-first-name, it follows a modern trend of using occupational or descriptive family names as given names, similar to Landon or Carter.

Etymology

The surname Wilder originates from the Old English adjective wilde, meaning "wild, untamed, uncontrolled." It was likely used as a nickname for a person with a wild or restless disposition, or as a topographic name for someone who lived in a wilderness or unbroken land. Cognate names appear in other Germanic languages; the variant spelling Wylder is an English alternative. The name gained popularity as a first name in the 20th century, influenced by famous bearers such as neurosurgeon Wilder Penfield (1891–1976).

Notable Bearers

Notable individuals with the given name include:

• Wilder D. Baker (1890–1975), United States Navy admiral
• Wilder Dwight Bancroft (1867–1953), American chemist
• Wilder Calderón (born 1947), Peruvian politician
• Wilder Cartagena (born 1994), Peruvian footballer
• Wilder W. Crane Jr. (1928–1985), American politician
• Wilder D. Foster (1819–1873), American politician
• Wilder Guisao (born 1991), Colombian footballer
• Wilder W. Hartley (1901–1970), American politician
• Wilder Hobson (1906–1964), American writer and musician
• Wilder Medina (born 1981), Colombian footballer
• Wilder Metcalf (1855–1935), United States Army general and politician
• Wilder Penfield (1891–1976), American-Canadian neurosurgeon
• Wilder Smith (1835–1891), American missionary and short-story writer

The name also appears among sports figures in Latin America, particularly in Peru and Colombia. American author Laura Ingalls Wilder (writers of the Little Houses series) shares the surname but with a popular derivation implying a wild nature. Broderick, which has led to modern fame for names such as Bruce.

Key Points

• Meaning: wild, untamed
• Origin: Old English wilde
• Type: Germanic/surname-turned-first-name
• Region: English-speaking world, also Spanish-speaking countries