Wilder

The last name Wilder has its origin in the Middle English word “wilder,” which means “wild” or “untamed.” This name was likely given to someone who had a wild or unruly nature, or perhaps someone who lived in a wild or untamed area. The use of surnames became more widespread in England during the Middle Ages, when people started adopting hereditary surnames to distinguish themselves from others in their community.

Wilder is an occupational surname as well, derived from the Old English word “wīldra,” which means “beast tamer” or “hunter.” In this context, Wilder would have been given to someone who worked as a hunter or animal tamer. As societies became more settled and urbanized, hunting and taming skills became less common, and names associated with these occupations transitioned into hereditary surnames.

The Wilder family name is found in several countries, including England, Scotland, and Germany. In England, it is most frequently found in the southern and southwestern regions of the country. In Scotland, the name is more commonly associated with the Highlands region. In Germany, variations of the Wilder surname exist, such as Wild, Wilden, and Wildermann.

Throughout history, the spelling of surnames has evolved and varied due to factors such as regional accents, illiteracy, and the phonetic interpretation of names by record-keepers. The variations of the Wilder surname include Wyld(e)r, Willder, Wylder, and others. Such variations can make genealogical research challenging, as individuals may find their ancestors’ names spelled differently in various records. It is important to consider these spelling variations when conducting historical research on the Wilder name.

The Wilder surname has had notable bearers throughout history. Thornton Wilder, an American playwright and novelist, is one of the most well-known. He won multiple Pulitzer Prizes for his works, including the play “Our Town” and the novel “The Bridge of San Luis Rey.” His literary contributions have solidified the Wilder name in the field of literature and the arts.

In conclusion, the name Wilder has both geographical and occupational origins. It is derived from the Middle English word for “wild” or “untamed” and the Old English word for “beast tamer” or “hunter.” The surname has been found in multiple countries with variations in spelling. Notable individuals throughout history have borne the Wilder name, contributing to its lasting legacy.