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Wilder

Boy name · 9 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Wilder: 9 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 3 births in 2023.

Wilder began as an English surname, ultimately derived from the Old English *wilde* meaning “wild” or “untamed” – originally a nickname for a spirited or unruly person. The name gained literary fame through Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the *Little House on the Prairie* series, and cinematic recognition from film director Billy Wilder and actor Gene Wilder. Towns named Wilder exist in Kentucky and Idaho, both named after early settlers bearing the surname. Once almost exclusively a surname, Wilder has surged in popularity as a first name in recent decades, often chosen for its free-spirited, outdoorsy feel – a modern favourite that pairs nicely with softer middle names.