Willena

“Willful; resolute”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1166US 2023

1kBirths / yr

→Stable

1.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 188400

How to pronounce Willena

WILL·EE·nuh

/ˈwɪll.ˈiː.nə/ · stress on WILL · 3 syllables

“Willful; resolute”

American origin · Girl name

What does Willena mean and where does it come from?

Willena is a name that blends variations of names like Wilhelmina and other Germanic roots. It's primarily used in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States. The name evokes qualities of determination and strength. It has become less common in recent decades but may appeal to those

Cultural significance

Willena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of willful; resolute.

Peak popularity

Reached #1172 in 1884 — currently #1166 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Willena?

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

Willena Grace

How popular is Willena right now?

Holding steady — currently #1166 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2023#1166 · Top 0.86%

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1166	1,034	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1171	1,014	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1176	984	▲ up 7356 · +10833% births
1990	#8532	9	▼ down 929 · +13% births
1985	#7603	8	▼ down 780 · -11% births
1980	#6823	9	▼ down 810
1975	#6013	9	▲ up 1107 · +50% births
1970	#7120	6	▼ down 2589 · -33% births
1965	#4531	9	▲ up 1215 · +50% births
1960	#5746	6	▼ down 3099 · -67% births
1955	#2647	18	▲ up 32 · +20% births
1950	#2679	15	▼ down 312 · +7% births
1945	#2367	14	▼ down 444 · -22% births
1940	#1923	18	▲ up 25 · +6% births
1935	#1948	17	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Willena

Best Year2023Rank #1166

Peak Count1,034

Average Rank#3528

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1910 - 202320 years

The story of Willena

Willena has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. With 1,072 total births recorded, Willena remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1829 in 1910 to #1166 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Willena in 1884:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Minnie

Willena by decade

Willena peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1900s	12
1910s	160
1920s ★	236
1930s	189
1940s	145
1950s	117
1960s	85
1970s	67
1980s	47
1990s	9

💎With 1,072 total births, Willena is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Willena?

Common

WilWiEna

What names sound and feel like Willena?

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

Wilena

American · a combination of

Willona

American · desiring peace

Willeta

American · A diminutive form

Jillena

American · soft, youthful, a

Millena

Latin · derived from 'mil'

Tilena

American · English

Mileena

American · A creation of

Dellena

American · Noble

Common questions about the name Willena

What does the name Willena mean?

Willena means "Willful; resolute" — a name rooted in American 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 Willena?

Willena is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Willena?

Willena originates from American tradition. American 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 Willena?

Willena is a three-syllable name pronounced W IH1 L L IY1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Willena?

Willena pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.