The Wilder Family History

What Does the Wilder Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Wilder has its roots in English, Danish, and German traditions. It is derived from the Old English word ‘wilde’ and the Middle English equivalent ‘wild,’ both of which describe an individual or state characterized by a lack of restraint. Additionally, the High German term ‘wilt’ denotes something unusual or foreign. Variations in the spelling of Wilder include Willder, Wildor, Wylder, and Whilder. In England, the Wilder surname can be found throughout various regions, with significant concentrations in the city of London, as well as in the counties of Essex, Lancashire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire. In Scotland, the majority of families bearing the Wilder surname reside in Aberdeenshire, Lanarkshire, and Midlothian. In the United States, early settlers with the Wilder surname primarily established themselves in Massachusetts, New York, Maine, New Hampshire, Georgia, and Ohio. Noteworthy individuals bearing this surname include Gene Wilder, a renowned comic actor; Alec Wilder, a celebrated songwriter and music composer; Thornton Niven Wilder, an esteemed novelist and playwright; Michael Wilder, a distinguished chess champion; James Wilder, a professional football player; John Thomas Wilder, a Union Army General during the Civil War; Laura Ingalls Wilder, a prominent novelist; and Billy Wilder, an acclaimed film director.