Message: "Wilhelmina? (willa-MEE-na)"

Wilhelmina? (willa-MEE-na)

by Clara (ClaraWhittaker)

3/9/2007, 2:38 PM

I heard this name while reading a book recently, and absolutely fell in love with it. Its a German name, and since I'm of Prussian descent, it's that much more attractive. I also like that you could use either Willa or Mina as a nickname (Mina is so great!).
Honest thoughts and opinions, please!

-Clara W.

#Wilhelmina

Replies

- Isla

3/10/2007, 2:03 PM

I like it in theory but it's a bit over the top for me, personally. I do, however, adore both Willa and Mina, but I think either could easily stand on its own.

- Linnea (lynn84)

3/10/2007, 8:00 AM

I think it is very pretty and love the nn Mina. I've always pronounced it wil-hel-MEE-na or vil-hel-MEE-na. I've never heard it said willa-MEE-na, though. I much prefer vil-hel-MEE-na.

- lac (guest)

3/9/2007, 11:18 PM

I'm kinda liking Wilhelmina too, but I think that if I used it, I'd simplify the spelling to Willamina or Willemina (probably the latter). Wilhelmina has an unneessary h, and an l in the wrong place, so the spelling is a bit confusing, IMO. BTW, I prefer Willa as a nn. It's cute.

- Ciarda

3/9/2007, 8:15 PM

Wilhelmina is very pretty, and the nickname Mina is great : )

- mashlover +1

3/9/2007, 6:52 PM

I think Wilhelmina is a gorgeous name! I had a great aunt named this, but she pronounced it the traditionally German way (she was German, that's probably why) Vil-hel-mee-na.

- Serafina Starstrider

3/10/2007, 2:34 AM

So she did pronounce the h, because I always thought in the traditional german way you were suppose to, but alot of people here seem to think that you're not suppose to.

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- gigibee (guest)

3/9/2007, 5:21 PM

I would pronounce it wil-hel-MEE-na. You said yours is the "universal pronounciation," but I notice at least one other poster would use my pronunciation, and others are mentioned too.

- Jen (Lyric) +3

3/9/2007, 4:28 PM

Shouldn't it be (villa-MEE-na)?

- Bear +2

3/9/2007, 4:44 PM

It depends. In German, I'm sure you're correct. But I've always heard it as "willa-mee-na." I'm American, but I'm pretty sure that's how it is pronounced in Britain too.

This message was edited 3/9/2007, 4:44 PM

- Serafina Starstrider +1

3/9/2007, 5:01 PM

I'm pretty certain it's said the same way as Wilhelm with ina at the end so VIL-helm-ina in german and VEEL-khelm-ina in polish, I'm not certain about dutch it could be willa-MEE-na. I could be slightly off though. The name Willemina probably sounds similar, I'm curious how it's said.

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This message was edited 3/9/2007, 5:09 PM

- Clara (ClaraWhittaker)

3/9/2007, 5:45 PM

It's Willa-MEE-na in english speaking countries, but yes, it's villa-MEE-na in Germany (or Deutschland)

- Elena +1

3/9/2007, 3:36 PM

Wilhelmina isn't really my style, however, Mina is really cute. Sidenote: My father was named Calvin William and my sister and I used to tease each other that one of us should name a dd Calvina Wilhelmina. ;-) Oh, and I definitely pronounce the h in there. Is your pronunciation a Prussian one?

- Clara (ClaraWhittaker)

3/9/2007, 4:03 PM

No, Willa-mina is the *English* pronounciation. People just get confused because it's the female version of Wilhelm.
The second L is silent, so Wilhe makes a Will-ha sound. But most people in English countries say Willa instead of Wilha.

This message was edited 3/9/2007, 5:47 PM

- Bear +3

3/9/2007, 3:22 PM

I adore Wilhelmina. My only fear is that people (here in the U.S) might think it's pronounced, "wil-hel-mina." But I still think it's worth the risk.

What a gorgeous sound it has overall. And I agree that the nn Mina is particularly attractive. Think: Mina Harker in Dracula; Victorian chic. Other nns: Willa (as you've already listed), Billie, Minna, Minnie, Mimi. Loads of options.

Finally, it fits in with your heritage. Go for it! Have you started to think about mns yet?

This message was edited 3/9/2007, 3:24 PM

- Clara (ClaraWhittaker) +1

3/9/2007, 4:00 PM

I love Wilhelmina Eleonora, but that seems like such a big name for a little girl.
I also like
Wilhelmina Adeline
Wilhelmina Therese
Wilhelmina Helene
Wilhelmina Suzanne
Wilhelmina Cecile
Wilhelmina Margaretha (Mar-ga-retta) (nn Mina Mae!)
Wilhelmina Catriona (I'm Irish, too.)
Wilhelmina Eve
and I'll probably think of more.

- Bear

3/9/2007, 4:21 PM

Wilhelmina Margarethe / Margaretha is outstanding. Mina Mae is adorable.

Wilhelmina Eleanora's length doesn't phase me, but there's always Wilhelmina Lenora / Lenore. Any of them would work fine.

I just love the old world charm of Wilhelmina. How about:

Wilhelmina Alix (German variant of Alice / Adelheidis)
Wilhelmina Liesl
Wilhelmina Johanna
Wilhelmina Charlotte
Wilhelmina Beatrix
Wilhelmina Astrid
Wilhelmina Thora
Wilhelmina Ingrid
Wilhelmina Sofie
Wilhelmina Bridget / Brigitte ("bri-GHEE-ta")
Wilhelmina Fidelma
Wilhelmina Muriel
Wilhelmina Columbina ("col-um-BEEN-a") (just kidding)

:-)

- Clara (ClaraWhittaker)

3/9/2007, 4:00 PM

Some more.

Wilhelmina Pandora
Wilhelmina Cambria
Wilhelmina Lysistrata
Wilhelmina Vivienne
Wilhelmina Lisette

This message was edited 3/9/2007, 4:02 PM

- lawruh

3/9/2007, 3:03 PM

I think Wilhelmina is a pretty name. I like almost every nn that could be used for it. My favorite, though, is definitely Minnie. =D It's a cute, pretty, yet sophisticated name.

- Luxiana

3/9/2007, 2:47 PM

I love it. it's very grand and romantic, with a bit of whimsy thrown in - all things I love in names.

Willa and Mina make great nns for a little girl, if Wilhelmina is too weighty at first. Willow would also make an adorable nn.

Luxiana

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