Find out how popular the first name Wyler has been for the last 16 years (from 2008 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Wyler by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Wyler is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 25 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Wyler.

The history of the first name Wyler

The name Wyler is believed to have its origins in the German language, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It is thought to be derived from the Old High German word "wilhari," which translates to "wild warrior" or "fierce fighter." This suggests that the name may have been initially given to individuals who possessed a courageous and valiant spirit on the battlefield.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Wyler can be found in the German chronicles from the 13th century, where it was mentioned in connection with a knight who served under Emperor Frederick II. This knight, known as Wyler von Rothenburg, was celebrated for his bravery and loyalty to the imperial cause.

As the name spread across various regions of Germany, it underwent slight variations in spelling, such as Wiler, Wyler, and Wyhler. These variations were often influenced by local dialects and regional preferences in pronunciation.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Wyler. One of the earliest was Johannes Wyler (c. 1370 - 1438), a German scholar and theologian who played a significant role in the Council of Constance, a pivotal event in the resolution of the Western Schism within the Catholic Church.

Another prominent figure was Wilhelm Wyler (1533 - 1598), a Swiss Protestant reformer and theologian who was instrumental in establishing the Reformed Church in the city of Basel. His writings and teachings had a profound impact on the spread of Protestantism in Switzerland and neighboring regions.

In the realm of literature, one cannot overlook the German author and playwright, Georg Wyler (1856 - 1923), whose works captured the essence of rural life and the struggles of the working class in his native Bavaria.

Moving into the 20th century, the name gained further recognition through the American film director William Wyler (1902 - 1981). Wyler, who was of Swiss-German descent, won three Academy Awards and is widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed directors in the history of Hollywood. His films, such as "Ben-Hur," "The Best Years of Our Lives," and "Roman Holiday," have become cinematic masterpieces.

Finally, it is worth mentioning the Swiss architect and urban planner, Alfred Wyler (1914 - 1996), whose innovative designs and urban planning concepts left a lasting impact on the landscape of various Swiss cities, including Zurich and Basel.

While the name Wyler may not be as common as it once was, it carries a rich historical legacy, reflecting the valor, intellect, and creativity of those who have borne it throughout the centuries.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Wyler was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Wyler, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!