Wills

“Resolves, determined”

United Kingdom origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#14077US 2023

5Births / yr

↑Rising

35All-time births

📅 Since 192100

How to pronounce Wills

WILZ

/ˈwɪlz/ · stress on WILZ · 1 syllable

“Resolves, determined”

United Kingdom origin · Boy name

What does Wills mean and where does it come from?

Wills is a masculine name that originates from the medieval English name 'William,' which means 'resolute protector.' It is commonly used as a surname as well. Wills became popular as a short form or a nickname for individuals named William. Notable people with the name include Wills Branigan, an in

Cultural significance

Wills has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of resolves, determined.

Peak popularity

Reached #4981 in 1921 — currently #14077 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Wills?

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

Wills Grace

How popular is Wills right now?

Rising fast — up 141 spots — currently #14077 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2015–2023#14077 · Top 10%

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#14077	5	▲ up 141
2022	#14218	5	▼ down 7151 · -58% births
2021	#7067	12	▲ up 3726 · +100% births
2015	#10793	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Wills

Best Year2021Rank #7067

Peak Count12

Average Rank#11539

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range2015 - 20234 years

The story of Wills

Wills entered American naming records in 1921 and has been in use for over 103 years. With 35 total births recorded, Wills remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #10793 in 2015, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14077 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Wills in 1921:

John Robert William James Charles

Wills by decade

Wills peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1920s	5
2000s	12
2010s ★	18

💎Wills has only 35 total recorded births since 1921 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Wills?

Common

WilWi

What names sound and feel like Wills?

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

Wilks

United Kingdom · son of the

Will

English · English

Wilby

United Kingdom · Willow settlement

Gills

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Mills

American · Son of the

Wells

American · Derived from the

Kells

Ireland · from the church

Ralls

American · dweller at the

Common questions about the name Wills

What does the name Wills mean?

Wills means "Resolves, determined" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Wills?

Wills is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Wills?

Wills originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom 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 Wills?

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

How does Wills sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Wills flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Wills ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.