Wanda

Last updated
Wanda
Pronunciation /ˈwɒndə/
Polish: [ˈvanda]
GenderFemale/Male
Language(s) Polish
Origin
Word/namePoland
Other names
Nickname(s)Wan
Related names Wendy
Popularitysee popular names

Wanda is a female given name of Polish origin. It probably derives from the tribal name of the Wends. [1] The name has long been popular in Poland where the legend of Princess Wanda has been circulating since at least the 12th century. [2] In 1947, Wanda was cited as the second most popular name, after Mary, for Polish girls, and the most popular from Polish secular history. [2] The name was made familiar in the English-speaking world by the 1883 novel Wanda, written by Ouida, the story line of which is based on the last years of the Hechingen branch of the Swabian House of Hohenzollern. [1] [3] [4] In the United States, Wanda attained its highest popularity in the year 1934, peaking then at No. 47 on the list of names most frequently given to female infants. [1] The name is popularly misinterpreted as meaning "wanderer." [5] [6]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Campbell, Mike. "Meaning, Origin, and History of the Name Wanda". Behind the Name. Retrieved August 12, 2010.
  2. 1 2 Kruszewska, Albina I., & Coleman, Marion M. "The Wanda Theme in Polish Literature and Life." American Slavic and East European Review, Vol. 6, No. 1/2 (May 1947), pp. 19–35. The American Association for the Advancement of Slavic Studies. Retrieved August 12, 2010.
  3. Ouida (1883). "Wanda". Internet Archive. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
  4. "Ouida's 'Wanda'." The New York Times, August 13, 1883. Retrieved August 12, 2010.
  5. "Name: Wanda". Baby Names World. Retrieved August 12, 2010.
  6. "Wanda - Name Meaning & Origin." Think Baby Names. Retrieved August 12, 2010.