so we are a international family and find it very hard with boys names. The name needs to sound ok in several languages (we speak 3) as my family will need to be able to say the name without it sounding strange. So one of the names we “agree” on is [name_m]Wilder[/name_m]. However my hubby pronounces it as in the word “wild” - which I guess is the most common way to say the name but I really prefer it as [name_m]WILL[/name_m]-der as this would work in other languages also.
What are yourr thoughts on [name_m]WILL[/name_m]-DER. Is it “wrong” or can one say the name that way in an english speaking country? how do YOU say the name?
[name_m]Wilder[/name_m] as in the word wild. If you prefer the [name_m]Will[/name_m] sound, what about [name_m]Wilhelm[/name_m], [name_m]Wilburt[/name_m], [name_m]Wilfred[/name_m], or [name_m]Wilson[/name_m]?
If you wish for it to sound like will, then I would consider looking at other names. [name_m]Wilder[/name_m] is not one with a flexible pronunciation.
Names you may like:
[name_m]Willem[/name_m]
[name_m]Wilhelm[/name_m]
[name_m]Willis[/name_m]
[name_m]Willard[/name_m]
[name_m]Wilbur[/name_m]
[name_m]Willmer[/name_m]
[name_m]Wilfred[/name_m] and [name_m]Wilfredo[/name_m]
Then not quite [name_m]Will[/name_m], there’s also:
[name_u]Winslow[/name_u]
[name_m]Winston[/name_m]
[name_m]Winthrop[/name_m]
[name_m]Wes[/name_m] or [name_m]Wesley[/name_m]
I don’t know that it’s necessarily wrong to pronounce it “will-der.” But in English-speaking countries most people will assume it’s pronounced “wild-der.”
ok thanks guys… actually [name_m]WALL[/name_m]-der might work also. However I think maybe does not work so well internationally so might have to leave it
Huh. I didn’t even think there could be other pronunciations. I’ve always pronounced it as “wild-er”…as in [name_f]Laura[/name_f] Ingalls [name_m]Wilder[/name_m].
My immediate assumption as to the pronunciation of [name_m]Wilder[/name_m] used to be wild-er, but thanks to the NZ film [name_m]Hunt[/name_m] for the [name_m]Wilder[/name_m] People, I now automatically think will-der
I would also say [name_m]Wild[/name_m]-er. You might pick a different name if you want [name_m]Will[/name_m] in it unless you’re okay with constantly having to correct people. Maybe go with [name_m]William[/name_m] or [name_m]Wilson[/name_m] or something more obviously beginning in [name_m]Will[/name_m]. I don’t think [name_m]Wilder[/name_m] pronounced [name_m]Will[/name_m]-der will work very well.
I dont really like any other [name_m]WILL[/name_m] names so may have to leave this one out, although a cool name but just doesnt work internationally the way I would like. thanks for the input
Never thought of the pronunciation [name_m]Will[/name_m]-der. I love it!! I’m not a fan of [name_m]Wild[/name_m]-er, which is how I’ve always pronounced [name_m]Wilder[/name_m]. But [name_m]Will[/name_m]-der… makes me think of wilderness! Too bad I feel like it would have to be spelled Willder. But then again [name_m]Wilbur[/name_m] is pronounced [name_m]Will[/name_m]-bur with only one L, not Wilb-ur.
It should be said like “wild-er”… if you prefer the “will” sound, perhaps pick another name.
I would be concerned that if you use [name_m]Wilder[/name_m], but say it differently, your little boy will be constantly correcting everyone. I have a name like this, and it’s so annoying to correct people all the time.