The name Wanda is of Slavic origin, derived from the old Germanic name Wandalina, which means "a Wanderer" or "a Nomad." It is believed to have originated in the 5th or 6th century among the Vandal tribes who migrated across Europe. The name was likely adopted by the Slavic people during their interactions with Germanic tribes in Central and Eastern Europe.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Wanda can be found in the 13th-century Polish chronicle "Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum" by Wincenty Kadłubek. The chronicle tells the story of Wanda, a legendary princess and the daughter of King Krak, who ruled over the Polish lands. According to the legend, Wanda rejected the marriage proposal of a German prince, leading to a war that she ultimately won by diverting the course of the Vistula River.

In the 16th century, the name Wanda gained popularity in Poland, and it was adopted by several noblewomen. One notable figure was Wanda Tyszkiewicz Ostrogska (1533-1612), a Polish noblewoman and a patron of the arts, who commissioned the construction of several churches and supported the work of artists and writers.

During the 19th century, the name Wanda became popular in other Slavic countries, particularly in Russia and Serbia. One famous bearer of the name was Wanda Landowska (1879-1959), a Polish-French musician and harpsichordist, who was a pioneer in the revival of the harpsichord as a concert instrument.

Another notable figure was Wanda Gert (1884-1949), a German actress, dancer, and choreographer, who was known for her eccentric and avant-garde performances in the early 20th century.

In the 20th century, the name Wanda gained popularity in various parts of the world, including the United States and other English-speaking countries. One famous bearer of the name was Wanda Landowska (1879-1959), a Polish-French musician and harpsichordist, who was a pioneer in the revival of the harpsichord as a concert instrument.