Willa: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and More

Fact: Willa has a subtle nature connection, as it can be evocative of willow trees, symbolizing flexibility and resilience

Willa Overview

Meaning

Resolute protection

Gender

Girl

Origin

German, English

Etymology

Derived from the Old German name Wilhelmina, meaning “resolute protector”

Pronunciation

/ˈwɪlə/

Popularity

Willa is a name that has gained traction in English-speaking countries. In the USA, it was ranked 428th for girls in 2023

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

5 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Vintage, Classic, Cute

Associated Traits

Gentle, elegant, creative, nurturing

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Willa is often associated with protection and determination, reflective of its Germanic roots

Name Day

February 21st (Sweden)

Willa Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Willow, Wilhelmina, Wilma, Willette, Willemina, Wilna, Wilda

Common Nicknames

Wills, Willy, Wiwi, Lila, Lia

Diminutives

Will, Willi, Willo, Wi

Famous People

Willa Cather
(American Author)
Willa Holland
(American Actress)
Willa Fitzgerald
(American Actress)
Willa Ford
(American Singer)
Willa Brown
(American Aviator)
Willa Jean
(American Chef)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

Willa Holland
("Arrow," TV Series)
Willa
("True Blood," TV Series)
Willa Cather
("My Ántonia," Novel)
Willa Ford
("I Wanna Be Bad," Song)
Willa
("The Magic Thief," Novel)

Places

Willa Cather House
(Nebraska, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Willa?

The name Willa means “resolute protector.” Individuals named Willa are often acknowledged as strong and unwavering in their commitments, providing a sense of security and care to those around them.

What Is the Origin of The Name Willa?

Willa is of Old German origin, derived from the name Wilhelm, which is composed of the elements “wil” meaning “will” or “desire” and “helm” meaning “helmet” or “protection.”

Willa Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Willa in the U.S. over the Years

United States	#3502021	#3952022	#4282023
Top 3 Rankings	#2731932	#2771927	#2781934

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Willa

Year	Name Ranking	Number of Births	Birth Rate (%)
2023	428 (-33 from 2022)	717 (-73 from 2022)	0.04099
2022	395 (-45 from 2021)	790 (-96 from 2021)	0.04406
2021	350 No change from 2020	886 (+1 from 2020)	0.04945
2020	350 (+6 from 2019)	885 (-4 from 2019)	0.05007
2019	356 (+27 from 2018)	889 (+78 from 2018)	0.04845
2018	383 (+70 from 2017)	811 (+112 from 2017)	0.04361
2017	453 (+8 from 2016)	699 (+10 from 2016)	0.03700
2016	461 (+20 from 2015)	689 (+15 from 2015)	0.03559
2015	481 (+70 from 2014)	674 (+112 from 2014)	0.03455
2014	551 (+146 from 2013)	562 (+156 from 2013)	0.02873
2013	697 (+18 from 2012)	406 (+17 from 2012)	0.02106
2012	715 (+266 from 2011)	389 (+128 from 2011)	0.02006
2011	981 (-30 from 2010)	261 (-8 from 2010)	0.01347
2010	951 (+79 from 2009)	269 (+17 from 2009)	0.01372
2009	1030 (+27 from 2008)	252 (+5 from 2008)	0.01244
2008	1057 (+176 from 2007)	247 (+46 from 2007)	0.01186
2007	1233 (+555 from 2006)	201 (+85 from 2006)	0.00950
2006	1788 (-143 from 2005)	116 (-5 from 2005)	0.00555
2005	1645 (+250 from 2004)	121 (+22 from 2004)	0.00596
2004	1895 (+1 from 2003)	99 (+3 from 2003)	0.00491
2003	1896 (-52 from 2002)	96 (-1 from 2002)	0.00478
2002	1844 (+726 from 2001)	97 (+38 from 2001)	0.00491
2001	2570 (+62 from 2000)	59 (+3 from 2000)	0.00298
2000	2632 (-325 from 1999)	56 (-8 from 1999)	0.00281
1999	2307 (+539 from 1998)	64 (+18 from 1998)	0.00329
1998	2846 (+602 from 1997)	46 (+13 from 1997)	0.00237
1997	3448 (-146 from 1996)	33 (-2 from 1996)	0.00173
1996	3302 (-750 from 1995)	35 (-14 from 1995)	0.00183
1995	2552 (+34 from 1994)	49 (+1 from 1994)	0.00255
1994	2586 (+296 from 1993)	48 (+7 from 1993)	0.00246
1993	2882 (+620 from 1992)	41 (+10 from 1992)	0.00208
1992	3502 (+38 from 1991)	31 (+1 from 1991)	0.00155
1991	3540 (+274 from 1990)	30 (+3 from 1990)	0.00148
1990	3814 (-561 from 1989)	27 (-5 from 1989)	0.00131
1989	3253 (-158 from 1988)	32 No change from 1988	0.00161
1988	3095 (+529 from 1987)	32 (+8 from 1987)	0.00166
1987	3624 (-571 from 1986)	24 (-6 from 1986)	0.00128
1986	3053 (+464 from 1985)	30 (+6 from 1985)	0.00163
1985	3517 (-1003 from 1984)	24 (-13 from 1984)	0.00130
1984	2514 (+917 from 1983)	37 (+14 from 1983)	0.00205
1983	3431 (-260 from 1982)	23 (-4 from 1982)	0.00129
1982	3171 (-243 from 1981)	27 (-3 from 1981)	0.00149
1981	2928 (+483 from 1980)	30 (+6 from 1980)	0.00168
1980	3411 (-791 from 1979)	24 (-10 from 1979)	0.00135
1979	2620 (+8 from 1978)	34 (+2 from 1978)	0.00197
1978	2628 (+281 from 1977)	32 (+5 from 1977)	0.00195
1977	2909 (+94 from 1976)	27 (+3 from 1976)	0.00164
1976	3003 (-322 from 1975)	24 (-4 from 1975)	0.00153
1975	2681 (+2 from 1974)	28 (+1 from 1974)	0.00179
1974	2683 (-177 from 1973)	27 (-2 from 1973)	0.00172
1973	2506 (-284 from 1972)	29 (-5 from 1972)	0.00187
1972	2222 (-394 from 1971)	34 (-14 from 1971)	0.00211
1971	1828 (-49 from 1970)	48 (-2 from 1970)	0.00274
1970	1779 (+92 from 1969)	50 (+6 from 1969)	0.00273
1969	1871 (-16 from 1968)	44 (+3 from 1968)	0.00250
1968	1855 (-616 from 1967)	41 (-33 from 1967)	0.00240
1967	1239 (-7 from 1966)	74 (-2 from 1966)	0.00431
1966	1232 (-143 from 1965)	76 (-16 from 1965)	0.00433
1965	1089 (-56 from 1964)	92 (-17 from 1964)	0.00503
1964	1033 (+66 from 1963)	109 (+11 from 1963)	0.00557
1963	1099 (-188 from 1962)	98 (-37 from 1962)	0.00493
1962	911 (+6 from 1961)	135 (-3 from 1961)	0.00666
1961	917 (-66 from 1960)	138 (-11 from 1960)	0.00664
1960	851 (+29 from 1959)	149 (+10 from 1959)	0.00716
1959	880 (-96 from 1958)	139 (-24 from 1958)	0.00669
1958	784 (-17 from 1957)	163 (-6 from 1957)	0.00789
1957	767 (-64 from 1956)	169 (-16 from 1956)	0.00805
1956	703 (-104 from 1955)	185 (-52 from 1955)	0.00898
1955	599 (+4 from 1954)	237 (+11 from 1954)	0.01182
1954	603 (-20 from 1953)	226 (-3 from 1953)	0.01135
1953	583 (-75 from 1952)	229 (-47 from 1952)	0.01187
1952	508 (+38 from 1951)	276 (+38 from 1951)	0.01451
1951	546 (-40 from 1950)	238 (-18 from 1950)	0.01288
1950	506 (-37 from 1949)	256 (-37 from 1949)	0.01456
1949	469 (+62 from 1948)	293 (+50 from 1948)	0.01669
1948	531 (-60 from 1947)	243 (-61 from 1947)	0.01394
1947	471 (-24 from 1946)	304 (+4 from 1946)	0.01672
1946	447 (-68 from 1945)	300 (-44 from 1945)	0.01860
1945	379 (-19 from 1944)	344 (-27 from 1944)	0.02556
1944	360 (+19 from 1943)	371 (+7 from 1943)	0.02715
1943	379 (-41 from 1942)	364 (-57 from 1942)	0.02536
1942	338 (-7 from 1941)	421 (+21 from 1941)	0.03028
1941	331 (-2 from 1940)	400 (+25 from 1940)	0.03210
1940	329 (-9 from 1939)	375 No change from 1939	0.03174
1939	320 (+9 from 1938)	375 (+7 from 1938)	0.03307
1938	329 (-21 from 1937)	368 (-37 from 1937)	0.03224
1937	308 (-27 from 1936)	405 (-49 from 1936)	0.03676
1936	281 (+16 from 1935)	454 (+40 from 1935)	0.04213
1935	297 (-19 from 1934)	414 (-72 from 1934)	0.03809
1934	278 (+2 from 1933)	486 (+24 from 1933)	0.04490
1933	280 (-7 from 1932)	462 (-53 from 1932)	0.04417
1932	273 (+27 from 1931)	515 (+65 from 1931)	0.04655
1931	300 (-9 from 1930)	450 (-62 from 1930)	0.04077
1930	291 (+3 from 1929)	512 (+18 from 1929)	0.04389
1929	294 (+5 from 1928)	494 (-6 from 1928)	0.04268
1928	299 (-22 from 1927)	500 (-66 from 1927)	0.04182
1927	277 (+10 from 1926)	566 (+29 from 1926)	0.04578
1926	287 (+9 from 1925)	537 (+17 from 1925)	0.04365
1925	296 (+11 from 1924)	520 (+49 from 1924)	0.04117
1924	307 (-6 from 1923)	471 (+14 from 1923)	0.03635
1923	301 (+17 from 1922)	457 (+41 from 1922)	0.03649
1922	318 (+8 from 1921)	416 (+9 from 1921)	0.03334
1921	326 (-9 from 1920)	407 (-17 from 1920)	0.03180
1920	317 (+7 from 1919)	424 (+42 from 1919)	0.03408
1919	324 (-13 from 1918)	382 (-43 from 1918)	0.03252
1918	311 (+30 from 1917)	425 (+89 from 1917)	0.03535
1917	341 (+7 from 1916)	336 (+20 from 1916)	0.02990
1916	348 (-2 from 1915)	316 (+24 from 1915)	0.02911
1915	346 (-14 from 1914)	292 (+41 from 1914)	0.02852
1914	332 (+2 from 1913)	251 (+43 from 1913)	0.03151
1913	334 (+10 from 1912)	208 (+28 from 1912)	0.03176
1912	344 (-15 from 1911)	180 (+35 from 1911)	0.03068
1911	329 (+11 from 1910)	145 (+11 from 1910)	0.03282
1910	340 (-17 from 1909)	134 (+11 from 1909)	0.03194
1909	323 (+38 from 1908)	123 (+24 from 1908)	0.03342
1908	361 (-23 from 1907)	99 (-7 from 1907)	0.02792
1907	338 (+1 from 1906)	106 (+9 from 1906)	0.03141
1906	339 (+10 from 1905)	97 (+5 from 1905)	0.03095
1905	349 (-7 from 1904)	92 (+1 from 1904)	0.02969
1904	342 (+13 from 1903)	91 (+12 from 1903)	0.03112
1903	355 (+34 from 1902)	79 (+15 from 1902)	0.02840
1902	389 (+8 from 1901)	64 (+9 from 1901)	0.02283
1901	397 (-28 from 1900)	55 (-29 from 1900)	0.02163
1900	369 (+2 from 1899)	84 (+23 from 1899)	0.02644
1899	371 (+25 from 1898)	61 (+1 from 1898)	0.02465
1898	396 (-17 from 1897)	60 (+2 from 1897)	0.02189
1897	379 (-24 from 1896)	58 (-9 from 1896)	0.02336
1896	355 (+29 from 1895)	67 (+14 from 1895)	0.02659
1895	384 (+38 from 1894)	53 (+10 from 1894)	0.02145
1894	422 (-35 from 1893)	43 (-5 from 1893)	0.01822
1893	387 (-14 from 1892)	48 (-3 from 1892)	0.02131
1892	373 (+50 from 1891)	51 (+16 from 1891)	0.02268
1891	423 (-65 from 1890)	35 (-16 from 1890)	0.01781
1890	358 (+23 from 1889)	51 (+11 from 1889)	0.02529
1889	381 (+6 from 1888)	40 (+1 from 1888)	0.02114
1888	387 (+3 from 1887)	39 (+8 from 1887)	0.02059
1887	390 (-3 from 1886)	31 No change from 1886	0.01995
1886	387 (+26 from 1885)	31 (+6 from 1885)	0.02016
1885	413 (+107 from 1884)	25 (+9 from 1884)	0.01761
1884	520 (-97 from 1883)	16 (-4 from 1883)	0.01163
1883	423 (+52 from 1882)	20 (+5 from 1882)	0.01666
1882	475 (+64 from 1881)	15 (+5 from 1881)	0.01297
1881	539 (-47 from 1880)	10 (-2 from 1880)	0.01012
1880	492 First SSA data recorded	12 First SSA data recorded	0.01229

American States Popularity Rankings for Willa

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

North Carolina (NC)

#2732021

#3282022

#3842023

Missouri (MO)

#3482021

#4392022

#2452023

Tennessee (TN)

#1542021

#2332022

#3332023

Georgia (GA)

#4782021

#4682022

#3762023

California (CA)

#4932021

#7072022

#6782023

Texas (TX)

#6632021

#6052022

#8702023

Kentucky (KY)

#1662021

#4192022

#3842023

Alabama (AL)

#1922021

#5302022

#3472023

Oklahoma (OK)

#3232021

#3672022

#6182023

Ohio (OH)

#4292021

#7362022

#3392023

Illinois (IL)

#4432021

#4142022

#3772023

Pennsylvania (PA)

#3412021

#2442022

#4472023

New York (NY)

#3592021

#4502022

#4372023

West Virginia (WV)

#2782019

#2702020

#3812021

Arkansas (AR)

#2762020

#2862021

#4852022

South Carolina (SC)

#2722021

#3992022

#4642023

Mississippi (MS)

#1922021

#3552022

#5312023

Indiana (IN)

#9372021

#3842022

#4822023

Florida (FL)

#8082021

#6412022

#8102023

Kansas (KS)

#3212020

#3882022

#6692023

Michigan (MI)

#4882021

#4342022

#6002023

Colorado (CO)

#2092021

#2582022

#2702023

Minnesota (MN)

#1352021

#1822022

#2552023

Nebraska (NE)

#1192021

#1452022

#1582023

Louisiana (LA)

#5762020

#7322021

#7212022

Virginia (VA)

#4362021

#6882022

#4772023

Washington (WA)

#2412021

#2592022

#2242023

Iowa (IA)

#1452021

#1542022

#1832023

Massachusetts (MA)

#3232021

#2712022

#3982023

Wisconsin (WI)

#2172021

#2042022

#2562023

Oregon (OR)

#2942021

#2652022

#2262023

New Jersey (NJ)

#5742020

#6732022

#6772023

Maryland (MD)

#4042021

#7212022

#8722023

Utah (UT)

#4092021

#4252022

#3432023

Connecticut (CT)

#3402021

#4262022

#3662023

Arizona (AZ)

#7412021

#5562022

#7482023

Idaho (ID)

#3182021

#3102022

#2812023

New Hampshire (NH)

#1472021

#1472022

#2292023

Maine (ME)

#1172019

#2102022

#1072023

Vermont (VT)

#842016

#1102020

#872022

North Dakota (ND)

#1002019

#1612022

#1212023

District of Columbia (DC)

#1082019

#2742020

#1702021

Montana (MT)

#1992021

#2402022

#1582023

South Dakota (SD)

#1702019

#882021

#2692023

Nevada (NV)

#3172022

Rhode Island (RI)

#1342017

Alaska (AK)

#1482018

Wyoming (WY)

#972020

New Mexico (NM)

#2981946

Popularity Rankings for Willa in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand

#1172021

#1342022

#1912023

Popularity in Canada

Canada

#2402021

#2942022

#4322023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland

#7342018

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales

#8062018

#8972019

#9692020

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Willa a Name for Boys or Girls?

Willa is generally considered a girl’s name. The name’s elegant and vintage charm aligns well with many feminine names that have seen a resurgence in popularity.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Willa

Meaning: Willow tree
Origin: Old EnglishWillow
Wilhelmina
Wilma
Willette
Willemina
Wilna
Wilda

Wills
Willy
Wiwi
Meaning: Night, beauty, purple, divine play
Origin: Arabic, German, Persian, Sanskrit Lila
Meaning: Relaxed, weary
Origin: Italian, Hebrew, GreekLia

Will
Willi
Willo
Wi

Leigh
Meaning: Fairy, faith, belief
Origin: Old French, EnglishFaye
Pearl
Dawn
Meaning: Wise, prophet, sage
Origin: Latin, EnglishSage

Willa in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Willa Cather (Author, 1873–1947): An American author celebrated for her novels about life on the Great Plains, including "O Pioneers!" and "My Ántonia."
Willa Holland (Actress, born 1991): An American actress and model known for her roles in "The O.C." and "Arrow."
Willa Fitzgerald (Actress, born 1991): An American actress recognized for her performances in "Scream: The TV Series" and "Little Women."
Willa Ford (Singer, born 1981): An American singer, songwriter, and actress who gained fame with her hit single "I Wanna Be Bad."
Willa Brown (Aviator, 1906–1992): An American aviator who broke racial and gender barriers in aviation and co-founded the National Airmen's Association of America.
Willa Jean (Chef, born 1980): An American chef and restaurateur known for her innovative Southern cuisine.
Willa Sandmeyer (Journalist, born 1962): An American journalist and news anchor who has reported for several major television networks.

Willa Holland ("Arrow," 2012 TV Series): Portrays Thea Queen, Oliver Queen's younger sister who becomes a vigilante known as Speedy.
Willa ("True Blood," 2008 TV Series): A vampire character who navigates the complex supernatural world of Bon Temps.
Willa Cather ("My Ántonia," 1918 Novel): A novel by Willa Cather that explores the life of a young immigrant girl in Nebraska.
Willa Ford ("I Wanna Be Bad," 2001 Song): A pop song performed by singer Willa Ford that became a hit in the early 2000s.
Willa ("The Magic Thief," 2008 Novel): A character in the fantasy series who aids the protagonist in his magical quests.
Willa Harper ("The Night of the Hunter," 1955 Film): A character in this classic thriller who falls victim to the sinister preacher, Harry Powell.

Willa Lake (Ontario, Canada): A freshwater lake located in the Timiskaming District, surrounded by forested landscapes.
Willa Park (Texas, USA): A public park in the city of Waco, featuring recreational facilities and green spaces.
Willa Cather House (Nebraska, USA): The childhood home of the famous American author, located in Red Cloud.
Willa Nature Reserve (Queensland, Australia): A protected area that preserves the natural habitats and biodiversity of the region.
Willa Marina (Liguria, Italy): A small coastal village known for its picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Willa Creek (British Columbia, Canada): A tributary of the Fraser River, flowing through the scenic landscapes of the province.

Sibling Names for Willa

For a Brother
For a Sister

Parents Who Like the Name Willa Also Like

I appreciate you stopping by to learn about Willa. If you enjoyed this deep dive, share it with friends and keep exploring the wonderful world of names with me.

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

Education

1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Willa Name Meaning