Meaning, origin, history
Wilde is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Old English word "wildde," which means "of the wild." The name was originally given to someone who lived in or near a wooded area or wilderness.
The surname Wilde is believed to have originated in County Mayo, Ireland, and it is thought to be an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name O'Fhoghluadh. The O'Fhoghluadh clan were a powerful family who held land in what is now County Mayo. Over time, the name was changed to Wilde as it became more common for people to use English names instead of their native Irish ones.
The name Wilde has been associated with many notable individuals throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of this name is Oscar Wilde, the Irish poet and playwright who lived during the Victorian era. Wilde was known for his wit and eloquent speeches, and he remains a significant figure in literature to this day.
Other notable people with the surname Wilde include the American actress Ellen Wilde, who was known for her roles in silent films during the 1910s, and the British comedian Peter Wilde, who was part of the comedy duo "Fry and Laurie" alongside Stephen Fry.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Wilde since 1880
Total births
6
Total since 1880
Peak year
2020
6 births
in 2020
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years