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I actually like Wanda. I can’t explain what the appeal is except that I find it pretty. I’m also very fond of Wilma and Wanda reminds me a little of it.

Wanda Hendrix

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Actress. (I cheated - looked it up in my old Leslie Dunkling name dictionary, that cites influences like this)

It was also popular (says Dunkling) in the 80s with black American parents. I think maybe as part of a sound-trend along with other -onda names

This message was edited 4/28/2020, 11:26 AM

Assuming you mean in the US, I think that many Wanda's could be descended from Polish immigrants. Personally, I find the Polish pronunciation, VAN-da, much nicer.

I cannot fathom a reason, but I think this should be a new series. What do you think the appeal was of blank? The answers could be fascinating.

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.

Haha

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Hmm. Well, the consonant-vowel pattern is very grabbable and was especially popular at the time, I guess - Linda, Donna, etc. Easy to pronounce and spell, not a lot of cultural context - I think it was an unusual name with fashionable sounds so it was conformist yet distinct at the same time

Great question! I see no appeal whatsoever so I’m kinda curious as well. Was there a famous Wanda who set off the trend?

I guess it has a similar ending to Linda which was also fashionable? And a similar sound to Wendy too. It was probably new and exciting, which is the reason many parents choose names today.

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I wonder if Cleveland Kent Evans has written about it.