Wilhelmine

Wilhelmine is a feminine given name, primarily used in German-speaking countries. It is the feminine form of Wilhelm, the German version of William.

The given name Wilhelm is derived from Old High German Willa-helm, combining wil (desire, will) and helm (helmet, protection). The name thus carries associations of will and protection.

Usage: The form Wilhelmine was common from the 18th through the early 20th century in German-speaking regions and is sometimes found in Dutch, Danish, or French contexts due to cultural exchange. In modern times it is less common, with variations such as Wilhelmina, Wilhelmine being used primarily in historical or genealogical contexts.

Notable bearers include several European noblewomen, particularly in the 18th–19th centuries; in English-language scholarship the name is linked to the Wilhelmine era of late 19th and early 20th century Germany, a period associated with Kaiser Wilhelm II and rapid industrial and cultural change.

Related names include Wilhelmina and Wilhelm.