Wilburn
Primarily a boy's name of Old English origin with 10,324 recorded births. Also given to 15 girls.
Meaning & Origin
A surname.
Wilburn is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old English origin, derived from a surname meaning 'stream by a willow tree,' from the Old English wilig (willow) and burna (stream, spring). It transferred from surname to given name in 19th-century America.
Wilburn was used primarily in the American South and Midwest through the early-to-mid 20th century. It belongs to a tradition of Southern surnames repurposed as first names, evoking the natural landscape of rural America.
EtymologyShow more
Wilburn is built from 7 letters and two syllables — a mid-length form that balances memorability with distinctiveness. Within the Old English naming tradition, this length is typical of names that preserve their full historical form, carrying their etymology on the surface.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Wilburn creates its characteristic sharp, distinct quality. Two-syllable names are the most common length in American naming, hitting a natural speech rhythm that works across formal and informal contexts.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Wilburn has 123+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1880.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5 | #14215 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 18 | #11462 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 69 | #7896 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 140 | #3839 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 300 | #1782 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 546 | #1038 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 816 | #816 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 1,434 | #532 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 2,121 | #385 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 2,761 | #354 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 1,618 | #388 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 224 | #498 | ▲ |
| 1890s | 133 | #594 | — |
| 1880s | 139 | #528 | — |
The Story of Wilburn
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1926, Wilburn is a name steeped in history. Boys named Wilburn are most likely born between 1916 and 1936.
How rare is Wilburn?
Wilburn has 10,324 recorded births in the U.S. — a well-established name with deep roots.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1880, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1920s with 2,761 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Wilburn by the numbers
- Would fill 215 school buses
- Meeting one Wilburn per day would take 28.3 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(123 years, 1880–2022)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | #14215 |
| 2008 | 6 | #12476 |
| 2004 | 6 | #11292 |
| 2002 | 6 | #10619 |
| 1999 | 5 | #11553 |
| 1998 | 9 | #6820 |
| 1997 | 6 | #9225 |
| 1995 | 9 | #6391 |
| 1994 | 6 | #8767 |
| 1993 | 5 | #10113 |
| 1992 | 10 | #5644 |
| 1991 | 13 | #4470 |
| 1990 | 6 | #8081 |
| 1989 | 15 | #3803 |
| 1988 | 12 | #4151 |
| 1987 | 8 | #5438 |
| 1986 | 17 | #3004 |
| 1985 | 14 | #3396 |
| 1984 | 14 | #3267 |
| 1983 | 10 | #4130 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Wilburn as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Wilburn has also been given to 15 girls in the U.S. since 1918.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wilburn a boy's or girl's name?
When was Wilburn most popular?
How popular is the name Wilburn?
Can Wilburn be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1880–2022