Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 WIL-ber /ˈwɪlbər/
"Wil, friend + bur, fortress"
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
The name Wilbur is derived from the Old English words wil, meaning 'will' or 'desire,' and burr, meaning 'fortress.' This name was given to someone who was regarded as a strong-willed defender or protector.
The name Wilbur originates from Germanic roots, specifically from the words 'will' meaning 'desire' or 'will' and 'bur' meaning 'fortress' or 'stronghold'. It signifies a strong-willed and determined …
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: Creativity, Self-expression, Communication
Life Path 4 — Stability & Hard Work: Reliable, disciplined, and exceptionally organized.
Cultural Impact
The name Wilbur became popular in the English-speaking world thanks to the beloved cartoon pig character, Wilbur, from E.B. White's "Charlotte's Web." This gentle and kind-hearted pig, who ultimately sacrificed his life to save the main character, touched the hearts of millions and cemented the name's place in pop culture.
Spiritual Significance
The spiritual significance of the name Wilbur stems from its Old English roots, with the name meaning 'strong-willed fortress.' This name reflects the biblical theme of standing strong in faith and trusting in the Lord's protection. Christians can take inspiration from the name Wilbur to embody a strong and unwavering will, in the spirit of Psalm 27:14, which states, "Wait for the LORD, be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!" (NRSV).
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Wilbur" emerges in (English) tradition, carrying the core meaning "Wil, friend + bur, fortress".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.
~57,170 people named Wilbur in the US. Peaked in 1918 with 1,809 recorded uses.
Wilbur Wright, an American inventor and aviation pioneer, was born on April 16, 1867, in Millville, Indiana, and died on May 30, 1912, in Dayton, Ohio.
Saint Wilgefortis, also known as Saint Wilburge or Saint Wilburga, was an English noblewoman and a Christian martyr who lived around the 7th century. According to legend, she was so ugly that she renounced worldly beauty and lived as a hermit. She was eventually martyred for her faith.
Modern Usage
The name Wilbur has seen a modern resurgence in various fields, from pop culture references to technology and comic books. On television shows, Wilbur is a common name for characters in sitcoms and animated series. For instance, Wilbur is the name of the pig in Charlotte's Web, which has been adapted into several animated and live-action TV specials. In social media, Wilbur is a trendy username choice on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, reflecting a quirky, down-to-earth persona. In video games, Wilbur is a name given to characters in Minecraft, a popular sandbox game. This name's flexibility and simplicity make it a popular choice in modern contexts.
Wilbur means "Wil, friend + bur, fortress" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Wilbur is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Wilbur has (English) origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Wilbur is 4, associated with Stability & Hard Work. Soul Urge: 3. Personality: 1.
Wilbur is Predominantly Male. Based on US data, 99% male and 1% female.
Approximately 57,170 people in the United States are named Wilbur. The name peaked in 1918 with 1,809 recorded uses.
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