[Opinions] Wanda
What do you think the appeal of Wanda was, when it was popular?
Replies
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.
I wonder if Cleveland Kent Evans has written about it.
I wonder if Cleveland Kent Evans has written about it.
Great question! I see no appeal whatsoever so I’m kinda curious as well. Was there a famous Wanda who set off the trend?
Idk, it looks like it appeared several times in literature between 1840s and 1940s...it coincided somewhat with Ouida being used. And I guess some 1st-3rd generation Polish immigrants used it.
This message was edited 4/27/2020, 5:51 PM
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ditto! That's such a cool way of looking at things, and adds a new perspective to our current tastes
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 meant anywhere it's been popular.
Wanda Hendrix
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
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