Wendel
Every Wendel since 1911 — 2,147 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Wendel
Wendel is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #13,792 in 2025 with 5 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.
Since 1911, 2,147 American babies have been named Wendel. Its peak came in 1940, when 45 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1940s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Wendel stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Wendel year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | #13,792 |
| 2024 | 8 | #9,821 |
| 2023 | 7 | #10,753 |
| 2022 | 7 | #10,777 |
| 2021 | 11 | #7,554 |
| 2020 | — | — |
| 2019 | 6 | #12,058 |
| 2018 | 5 | #13,987 |
| 2017 | — | — |
| 2016 | 6 | #12,099 |
| 2015 | — | — |
| 2014 | 8 | #9,585 |
| 2013 | — | — |
| 2012 | 8 | #9,669 |
| 2011 | 11 | #7,474 |
| 2010 | 6 | #12,140 |
| 2009 | 6 | #12,409 |
| 2008 | 10 | #8,288 |
| 2007 | 6 | #12,292 |
| 2006 | 5 | #13,936 |
| 2005 | 8 | #9,065 |
| 2004 | 7 | #9,896 |
| 2003 | — | — |
| 2002 | 7 | #9,353 |
| 2001 | 6 | #10,499 |
| 2000 | — | — |
| 1995 | 9 | #6,389 |
| 1990 | 7 | #7,153 |
| 1985 | 14 | #3,395 |
| 1980 | 21 | #2,441 |
| 1975 | 20 | #2,285 |
| 1970 | 38 | #1,373 |
| 1965 | 24 | #1,624 |
| 1960 | 31 | #1,461 |
| 1955 | 37 | #1,254 |
| 1950 | 38 | #1,180 |
| 1945 | 19 | #1,579 |
| 1940 | 45 | #965 |
| 1935 | 22 | #1,491 |
| 1930 | 30 | #1,329 |
| 1925 | 24 | #1,581 |
| 1920 | 19 | #1,883 |
| 1915 | 23 | #1,453 |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Wendel
- Wendel Geraldo Soccer player · b. 1982
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Wendel in 2025?
Wendel ranked #13,792 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 5 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Wendel?
2,147 babies have been named Wendel in the United States since 1911, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Wendel most popular?
Wendel peaked in 1940, when 45 newborns received the name.
Is Wendel a boy or girl name?
Wendel is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Wendel rising or falling?
Wendel is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Wendel?
Well-known people named Wendel include Wendel Geraldo (soccer player).