WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Absolute Wonder Woman #3!After 84 years, DC has finally revealed the true meaning behind the ‘Wonder Woman’ moniker. To say it is nothing short of badass would be an understatement, making the iconic name even more fitting for the Amazon warrior princess. With this new meaning established, it’s also the perfect time to look back and examine the Golden Age origins of the Wonder Woman name.

... the explanation concerning Wonder Woman's moniker also ties into the ongoing subplot of Diana’s search to uncover more about her heritage...

Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire, and Becca Carey’s Absolute Wonder Woman #3 continues the epic reimagining of the Amazon princess in the Absolute Universe. The series has already introduced significant changes to Diana’s lore, from depicting her as a witch to having her grow up in the underworld.

In this latest issue, Wonder Woman’s story takes another bold turn as DC reveals a deeper meaning behind her iconic moniker. Rooted in her Amazon origins, the title “Wonder Woman” is revealed to be the name bestowed upon the Amazons’ champion—the absolute best among them—a name that is beyond fitting for Diana.

DC Reveals the True Meaning & Origin of the ‘Wonder Woman’ Moniker

“The Amazons… It’s What They Would Call Their Champion..." – Barbara Minerva in Absolute Wonder Woman #3 (2024)

Absolute Wonder Woman #3 picks up with high stakes as Diana prepares to face the Tetracide—a monstrous creature with world-ending potential. As she rushes out of a war council with the United States military to confront the threat, Diana accidentally bumps into another woman, who is revealed to be Barbara Minerva, better known on Earth-Prime as Cheetah. Catching Barbara before she falls, Diana urges her to find safety before refocusing on the Tetracide. However, just as Diana turns to leave, Barbara calls after her, “Wonder Woman!” prompting Diana to pause.

When Diana asks about the name, Barbara explains, “The Amazons… It’s what they would call their champion… the absolute best of them.” The mention of the Amazons immediately catches Diana’s attention, especially since it was previously revealed that Circe, her mother, was banned from using the word ‘Amazon’ and from revealing Diana’s heritage to her. Despite this, Diana eventually discovered she was an Amazon. This moment not only provides a stunning twist on the meaning behind the Wonder Woman moniker but also ties into the ongoing subplot of Diana’s search to uncover more about her heritage and her lost sisters.

How Did Wonder Woman Originally Get Her Name in Comics?

Cover B Card Stock Variant by Ariel Diaz for Absolute Wonder Woman #3 (2024)

Thompson’s decision to tie the meaning and origin of the Wonder Woman moniker to the Amazons is particularly brilliant, adding significant weight to the title. Traditionally, the origin of the name has been reduced to the press in most narratives. The idea that the press is responsible for naming Wonder Woman has been a consistent element throughout her comic history, from the Pre-Crisis era in William Moulton Marston’s Sensation Comics #1 (1941) to the Post-Crisis revamp, where George Pérez used the same trope in his Wonder Woman run in issue #4. Therefore, it’s incredibly refreshing to see Thompson move away from this well-worn narrative choice and instead root the name in Wonder Woman's heritage.

Absolute Wonder Woman #3 is available now from DC Comics!