Recorded as Wilbore, Wilbar, Wilber, Wildbore, Wildboore, and possibly others, this is a very interesting English surname, which may have very ancient origins. It seems to be rare, but nevetherless has been well recorded since medieval times. It was, a nickname and almost certainly a complimentary one or it would not have survived the centuries. It is similar to the surname Wildblood, which had the meaning of a wild, untamed spirit, and this one probably has a similar meaning. The wild boar was considered the toughest animal to hunt, and the one with the greatest courage, so the original name holders were no doubt equally renowned for their physical capabilities. The first recording that we have is that of Willelmus Wildebore in the Poll Tax rolls for Yorkshire in 1379. Later examples taken from surviving church registers of the city of London include Judith Wyldeboore who was christened at St Giles Cripplegate on August 17th 1576, William Wilbar, who was a christening witness at St Mary Whitechapel, Stepney, on July 27th 1613, and Mary Wildbore who married Roger Wilson at St Katherines by the Tower (of London), on June 16th 1657.

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