Willa

“resolute protector” — Associated with strong

English origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#428US 2023

721Births / yr

↓Falling

28.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.05% of births at peak

How to pronounce Willa

WIL·uh

/ˈwɪl.ə/ · stress on WIL · 2 syllables

“resolute protector”

Associated with strong · English origin

What does Willa mean and where does it come from?

Willa is of Germanic origin, derived from 'Wilhelmina,' which means 'resolute protector.' It has gained popularity in English-speaking countries and is appreciated for its simplicity and classic sound. Willa was first recorded as a personal name in the 19th century and is associated with strong, ind

Cultural significance

Willa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of resolute protector.

Peak popularity

Reached #273 in 1932 — currently #428 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Willa?

Willa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Willa Grace

How popular is Willa right now?

Declining — down 32 spots — currently #428 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#428 · Top 0.32%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#428	721	▼ down 32 · -9% births
2022	#396	791	▼ down 46 · -11% births
2021	#350	887	▼ down 1 · +1% births
2020	#349	881	▲ up 131 · +31% births
2015	#480	673	▲ up 470 · +150% births
2010	#950	269	▲ up 695 · +122% births
2005	#1645	121	▲ up 988 · +116% births
2000	#2633	56	▼ down 81 · +14% births
1995	#2552	49	▲ up 1264 · +81% births
1990	#3816	27	▼ down 296 · +13% births
1985	#3520	24	▼ down 109
1980	#3411	24	▼ down 725 · -14% births
1975	#2686	28	▼ down 901 · -44% births
1970	#1785	50	▼ down 695 · -46% births
1965	#1090	92	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Willa

Best Year1930Rank #292

Peak Count887

Average Rank#1120

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Willa

Willa has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 28,950 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #517 in 1880 to #428 in 2023. Willa is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Willa in 1932:

Mary Betty Barbara Dorothy Joan

Willa by decade

Willa peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	239
1890s	527
1900s	890
1910s	2,669
1920s	4,799
1930s	4,458
1940s	3,414
1950s	2,118
1960s	956
1970s	333
1980s	281
1990s	404
2000s	1,344
2010s ★	5,637
2020s	881

What are good nicknames for Willa?

Common

WilWi

What names sound and feel like Willa?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Willa also consider these

English · Will and army

Zilla

Hebrew · Hebrew

Eilla

English · Variant spelling of

Spain · Bitter; the one

How is Willa written in other languages?

Gender variants of Willa

Wilhelm ANCIENT GERMANIC Willahelm ANCIENT GERMANIC Gwilherm BRETON Guillem CATALAN Vilim CROATIAN Vilko CROATIAN Vilém CZECH Vilhelm DANISH Jelle DUTCH Pim DUTCH Wil DUTCH Wilhelmus DUTCH Willem DUTCH Willy DUTCH Wim DUTCH Bill ENGLISH Billie ENGLISH Billy ENGLISH Liam ENGLISH Wil ENGLISH Will ENGLISH Willard ENGLISH William ENGLISH Willie ENGLISH Willy ENGLISH Vilĉjo ESPERANTO Vilhelmo ESPERANTO Villem ESTONIAN Jami FINNISH Vilhelm FINNISH Vilhelmi FINNISH Vilho FINNISH Vili FINNISH Viljami FINNISH Viljo FINNISH Ville FINNISH Guillaume FRENCH Wilhelm GERMAN Willi GERMAN Willy GERMAN Wim GERMAN Vili HUNGARIAN Vilmos HUNGARIAN Vilhjálmur ICELANDIC Liam IRISH Uilleag IRISH Uilliam IRISH Ulick IRISH Guglielmo ITALIAN Vilhelms LATVIAN Vilis LATVIAN Wöllem LIMBURGISH Wullem LIMBURGISH Wum LIMBURGISH Vilhelmas LITHUANIAN Illiam MANX Wiremu MAORI Wilkin MEDIEVAL ENGLISH Wilky MEDIEVAL ENGLISH Wilmot MEDIEVAL ENGLISH Vilhelm NORWEGIAN Wilhelm POLISH Guilherme PORTUGUESE Uilleam SCOTTISH Viliam SLOVAK Vili SLOVENE Viljem SLOVENE Vilko SLOVENE Guillermo SPANISH Vilhelm SWEDISH Ville SWEDISH Gwil WELSH Gwilim WELSH Gwillym WELSH Gwilym WELSH Willihard ANCIENT GERMANIC Wilheard ANGLO-SAXON Liam ENGLISH Wilkie ENGLISH Will ENGLISH Willard ENGLISH Willis ENGLISH Wilson ENGLISH Wilkin MEDIEVAL ENGLISH Wilky MEDIEVAL ENGLISH

Common questions about the name Willa

What does the name Willa mean?

Willa means "resolute protector" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Willa?

Willa is currently ranked #428 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Willa?

Willa originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Willa?

Willa is a two-syllable name pronounced W IH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Willa more of a girl or boy name?

Willa is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.