Vilho is a Finnish masculine given name. It is an short form of Wilhelm or Vilhelm, which are both derived from the German name Willehad. Willehad is composed of the Old High German elements "wil" meaning "will", and "helad", which means "battle". Therefore, Vilho's meaning can be interpreted as "strong-willed warrior".
The name Vilho has a rich history in Finland, where it has been used for centuries. It was particularly popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with many Finnish men named Vilho being born during this period. Some notable individuals with this name include Vilho Niittymaa, a Finnish farmer and politician who served as a Member of Parliament from 1907 to 1918, and Vilho Ylönen, a Finnish Olympic shooting champion who won gold medals at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.
Today, Vilho remains a beloved name in Finland, with a small but significant number of boys being named Vilho each year. Despite its historic popularity, it is still considered quite unique and distinctive, making it an attractive choice for parents looking for a meaningful and uncommon name for their son. Overall, Vilho is a name with a strong historical background and a powerful meaning that continues to resonate with Finnish families today.
The name Vilho was not particularly popular in the United States, with only five recorded births in 1916. This low number suggests that Vilho may have been a rare or unique choice among parents during this time period. Despite its rarity, Vilho remains a notable name due to its historical presence in the U.S. birth records.