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I'm surprised that it was ever popular, anywhere outside Poland! I've only ever met or even heard of one Wanda, and she was the daughter of a mixed marriage: a Pole and a Scot. The father was the Polish one I think, and Wanda's brother was, I think, Roderick. So she got the Polish name: presumably the boy would be expected to retain his surname throughout life, and the girl would have been expected to change hers when she married. I only knew her slightly and for a short time, so I can't be sure.

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As for the appeal, I'm not seeing it. I even prefer Wendy, though what puts me off Wendy is its cutesy sentimentality: Wanda sounds grim and gruff; I suppose it might look somewhat magical, but I don't see it that way.