"resolute fortress, determined will"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Wilbur
Pronunciation: [ w-IHLB-er ]
Does Wilbur flow with your last name?
A vintage gem shared by an aviation pioneer and a beloved pig
American
English
Vintage
Literary
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Wilbur
Wilbur comes from the Old English name Wilburh, from 'wil' (will, desire) and 'burh' (fortress, stronghold), meaning 'resolute fortress' or 'determined protector.' It was also influenced by the Germanic 'Wilbrecht' (brilliant, shining resolve). The name reached peak popularity in early 20th century America, carried by Wilbur Wright, one of aviation's founding pioneers.
Wilbur has been on a revival journey as grandpa-chic names have come back into fashion. The beloved pig Wilbur in Charlotte's Web (1952) gives the name a warm, cherished literary legacy that modern parents appreciate alongside the aviation history connection.
Wilbur Wright and his brother Orville achieved the first successful powered airplane flight in 1903, making Wilbur a name associated with American ingenuity and the dawn of the aviation age. E.B. White's Wilbur the pig in Charlotte's Web has become one of children's literature's most beloved characters.
Historical Record
Wilbur first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 9,855 babies have been named Wilbur in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Wilbur is past its peak , currently ranked #2,964 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Wilbur Wright made the first successful powered airplane flight with brother Orville on December 17, 1903 at Kitty Hawk
- Wilbur the pig in Charlotte's Web is one of children's literature's most beloved characters — saved by a spider's web
Wilbur in Other Languages
German
Wilbrecht
English
Wilbur
Popularity Over Time
#2,964
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Wilbur
W
Wilbur Wright
Engineer
1867
American aviation pioneer who, with brother Orville, achieved the first successful powered airplane flight in 1903
W
Wilbur (Charlotte's Web) Fictional
Other
The lovable pig protagonist of E.B. White's classic children's novel Charlotte's Web (1952), saved by the spider Charlot...
The lovable pig protagonist of E.B. White's classic children's novel Charlotte's Web (1952), saved by the spider Charlotte
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Compare Wilbur with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,964
- Total SSA Count
- 42
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Will
Wil
Bur
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Wilbur
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Wilbur is also used as a girl name, ranked #70065.
View Wilbur as a girl name →Similar Names
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Latin origin
"given by God, God's gift"
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Ahron
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Hebrew origin
"high mountain, exalted"
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Greek Kyrios origin
"lord, master"
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Irish Gaelic origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wilbur
What does the name Wilbur mean?
"resolute fortress, determined will" (from Old English). Wilbur comes from the Old English name Wilburh, from 'wil' (will, desire) and 'burh' (fortress, stronghold), meaning 'resolute fortress' or 'determined protector.' It was also influenced by the Germanic 'Wilbrecht' (brilliant, shining resolve). The name reached peak popularity in early 20th century America, carried by Wilbur Wright, one of aviation's founding pioneers.
What is the origin of the name Wilbur?
Wilbur has Old English, American, and English origins. In Old English, it means "resolute fortress, determined will".
Is Wilbur a boy or girl name?
Wilbur is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2964. As a girl name, it is ranked #70065. Wilbur is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Wilbur?
Wilbur is pronounced w-IHLB-er.
How popular is the name Wilbur?
Wilbur is currently ranked #2964 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Wilbur?
Common nicknames for Wilbur include Will, Wil, and Bur.
What are good middle names for Wilbur?
Popular middle name pairings include Wilbur James, Wilbur Henry, Wilbur Lee, Wilbur Scott, Wilbur August, and Wilbur Owen.
What are good sibling names for Wilbur?
Names that pair well with Wilbur as siblings include Harriet, Maude, Otto, Mabel, Cecil, and Edith.
How many syllables does Wilbur have?
Wilbur has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Wilbur a common or rare name?
Wilbur is an uncommon name, ranked #2964 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Wilbur?
Are there other spellings for Wilbur?
Related spellings include Wilber.
About the Name Wilbur
Wilbur is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "resolute fortress, determined will" in Old English .
Is Wilbur a boy or girl name? Wilbur is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,964 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #70,065. Wilbur is more commonly used as a boy name.
Wilbur is currently ranked #2,964 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Wilbur has 2 syllables and is pronounced w-IHLB-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Wilbur include Will, Wil, and Bur. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Wilbur include Wilber . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis