Wanda

girlPolish

Wanda is a girl name of Polish origin, meaning “Of uncertain meaning”.

MeaningOf uncertain meaning
GenderGirl
OriginPolish
PronunciationWAHN-duh
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inPoland, United States, Italy

Meaning and origin of Wanda

Wanda is the name of a legendary Polish princess, daughter of Krakus, the founder of Kraków, who drowned herself in the Vistula rather than marry a German prince. The origin of the name is uncertain: it may be linked to the Vandals or to the Wends, an old name for western Slavs. It spread from Poland to the English-speaking world in the late nineteenth century. 'Wanderer' is a popular folk explanation rather than an established meaning.

Is Wanda a religious name?

Wanda comes from Polish legend and has no specific religious background, though it is widely used among Polish Catholics.

How popular is Wanda?

Popular in Poland and in mid-twentieth-century America; less common today.

Gifts with the name Wanda

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Spellings and variants of Wanda

VandaWendy

Names similar to Wanda

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Frequently asked questions

What does the name Wanda mean?

Wanda means 'Of uncertain meaning'. It is of Polish origin.

Does Wanda have a religious meaning?

Wanda comes from Polish legend and has no specific religious background, though it is widely used among Polish Catholics.

How do you pronounce Wanda?

Wanda is pronounced WAHN-duh.

Is Wanda a boy or girl name?

Wanda is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.