Willow Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Willow Name Meaning

Fact: The name Willow is often chosen for its cultural symbolism of healing and poetic beauty, frequently appearing in literary and artistic works.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Willow Overview

Meaning

Willow tree

Gender

Girl

Origin

Old English

Etymology

Derived from Old English, referring to the tree known for its slender, flexible branches.

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈwɪloʊ/

Popularity

Ranked at 37th most common name in America in 2022

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

4 (Orderly, Steady, Service-oriented)

Name Styles

Nature-inspired, Popular, Cool, Cute

Associated Traits

Graceful, resilient
A Deep Dive

Willow Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Willoughby, Arava, Osier, Wilford, Selby, Salton, Liu, Lian

Common Nicknames

Will, Willy, Wills, Willi, Lo, Lee, Willow Bee, Wilo, Willa, Lowie

Diminutives

Willie, Willa, Willin, Willot, Wilma, Willo

Famous People

  • Willow Smith
    (American Singer and Actress)
  • Willow Shields
    (Actress)
  • Willow Bay
    (Journalist)
  • Willow Hand
    (Model)
  • Willow Palin
    (Public Figure)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Willow Rosenberg
    ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," TV Series)

Places

  • Willow City
    (North Dakota, USA)
  • Willow Creek Community
    (California, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Willow?

The name Willow refers to the willow tree. It is often chosen for its association with the graceful and resilient qualities of the tree itself.

What Is the Origin of The Name Willow?

The name Willow comes from Old English. It originally referred to the tree known for its slender, flexible branches.

Willow Name Popularity

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

United States flagUnited States#392021#372022#412023
Top 3 Rankings#372022#392021#412023

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Willow

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
202341
(-4 from 2022)
4727
(-323 from 2022)
0.27024
202237
(+2 from 2021)
5050
(-135 from 2021)
0.28164
202139
(+9 from 2020)
5185
(+795 from 2020)
0.28941
202048
(-3 from 2019)
4390
(-209 from 2019)
0.24835
201945
(+15 from 2018)
4599
(+669 from 2018)
0.25064
201860
(+20 from 2017)
3930
(+363 from 2017)
0.21133
201780
(+16 from 2016)
3567
(+443 from 2016)
0.18881
201696
(+15 from 2015)
3124
(+315 from 2015)
0.16137
2015111
(+25 from 2014)
2809
(+401 from 2014)
0.14399
2014136
(+19 from 2013)
2408
(+329 from 2013)
0.12309
2013155
(+16 from 2012)
2079
(+243 from 2012)
0.10785
2012171
(+28 from 2011)
1836
(+261 from 2011)
0.09467
2011199
(+90 from 2010)
1575
(+456 from 2010)
0.08128
2010289
(+23 from 2009)
1119
(+66 from 2009)
0.05707
2009312
(+93 from 2008)
1053
(+257 from 2008)
0.05200
2008405
(+20 from 2007)
796
(+25 from 2007)
0.03822
2007425
(+98 from 2006)
771
(+193 from 2006)
0.03643
2006523
(+9 from 2005)
578
(+36 from 2005)
0.02765
2005532
(+16 from 2004)
542
(+23 from 2004)
0.02671
2004548
(-23 from 2003)
519
(-18 from 2003)
0.02572
2003525
(-21 from 2002)
537
(-9 from 2002)
0.02676
2002504
(+160 from 2001)
546
(+167 from 2001)
0.02765
2001664
(+93 from 2000)
379
(+78 from 2000)
0.01913
2000757
(-30 from 1999)
301
(-9 from 1999)
0.01508
1999727
(+125 from 1998)
310
(+60 from 1998)
0.01592
1998852
(+258 from 1997)
250
(+81 from 1997)
0.01290
19971110
(+238 from 1996)
169
(+44 from 1996)
0.00885
19961348
(+292 from 1995)
125
(+35 from 1995)
0.00652
19951640
(+104 from 1994)
90
(+6 from 1994)
0.00468
19941744
(+707 from 1993)
84
(+33 from 1993)
0.00431
19932451
(-65 from 1992)
51
(-3 from 1992)
0.00259
19922386
(-66 from 1991)
54
(-1 from 1991)
0.00269
19912320
(+1303 from 1990)
55
(+26 from 1990)
0.00270
19903623
(-578 from 1989)
29
(-6 from 1989)
0.00141
19893045
(+539 from 1988)
35
(+9 from 1988)
0.00176
19883584
(+399 from 1987)
26
(+5 from 1987)
0.00135
19873983
(-226 from 1986)
21
(-1 from 1986)
0.00112
19863757
(-1156 from 1985)
22
(-15 from 1985)
0.00119
19852601
(+314 from 1984)
37
(+7 from 1984)
0.00200
19842915
(-194 from 1983)
30
(-2 from 1983)
0.00166
19832721
(-352 from 1982)
32
(-9 from 1982)
0.00179
19822369
(+6 from 1981)
41
No change from 1981
0.00226
19812375
(-570 from 1980)
41
(-19 from 1980)
0.00229
19801805
(-52 from 1979)
60
(-2 from 1979)
0.00337
19791753
(-251 from 1978)
62
(-13 from 1978)
0.00360
19781502
(+135 from 1977)
75
(+11 from 1977)
0.00456
19771637
(-102 from 1976)
64
(-2 from 1976)
0.00389
19761535
(+220 from 1975)
66
(+13 from 1975)
0.00420
19751755
(-67 from 1974)
53
(-1 from 1974)
0.00340
19741688
(+226 from 1973)
54
(+11 from 1973)
0.00345
19731914
(+396 from 1972)
43
(+11 from 1972)
0.00277
19722310
(+30 from 1971)
32
(-1 from 1971)
0.00198
19712340
(+868 from 1970)
33
(+13 from 1970)
0.00188
19703208
(+110 from 1969)
20
(+3 from 1969)
0.00109
19693318
(+137 from 1968)
17
(+2 from 1968)
0.00096
19683455
(+845 from 1967)
15
(+5 from 1967)
0.00088
19674300
(-900 from 1966)
10
(-4 from 1966)
0.00058
19663400
(+552 from 1965)
14
(+3 from 1965)
0.00080
19653952
(-1126 from 1964)
11
(-9 from 1964)
0.00060
19642826
(+975 from 1963)
20
(+8 from 1963)
0.00102
19633801
(-19 from 1962)
12
No change from 1962
0.00060
19623782
(-174 from 1961)
12
(-1 from 1961)
0.00059
19613608
(-397 from 1960)
13
(-2 from 1960)
0.00063
19603211
(+226 from 1959)
15
(+2 from 1959)
0.00072
19593437
(+1083 from 1958)
13
(+5 from 1958)
0.00063
19584520
(-1370 from 1957)
8
(-6 from 1957)
0.00039
19573150
(-221 from 1956)
14
(-2 from 1956)
0.00067
19562929
(-518 from 1955)
16
(-5 from 1955)
0.00078
19552411
(+914 from 1954)
21
(+9 from 1954)
0.00105
19543325
(-730 from 1953)
12
(-5 from 1953)
0.00060
19532595
(+957 from 1952)
17
(+7 from 1952)
0.00088
19523552
(-615 from 1951)
10
(-3 from 1951)
0.00053
19512937
(-157 from 1950)
13
(-1 from 1950)
0.00070
19502780
(+219 from 1949)
14
(+2 from 1949)
0.00080
19492999
(-670 from 1948)
12
(-6 from 1948)
0.00068
19482329
(-337 from 1947)
18
(-6 from 1947)
0.00103
19471992
(+102 from 1946)
24
(+4 from 1946)
0.00132
19462094
(-269 from 1945)
20
(-1 from 1945)
0.00124
19451825
(-82 from 1944)
21
(-2 from 1944)
0.00156
19441743
(+704 from 1943)
23
(+9 from 1943)
0.00168
19432447
(+219 from 1942)
14
(+2 from 1942)
0.00098
19422666
(-476 from 1941)
12
(-3 from 1941)
0.00086
19412190
(-162 from 1940)
15
(-1 from 1940)
0.00120
19402028
(-231 from 1939)
16
(-3 from 1939)
0.00135
19391797
(-146 from 1938)
19
(-3 from 1938)
0.00168
19381651
(+666 from 1937)
22
(+9 from 1937)
0.00193
19372317
(-810 from 1936)
13
(-11 from 1936)
0.00118
19361507
(+699 from 1935)
24
(+10 from 1935)
0.00223
19352206
(-650 from 1934)
14
(-9 from 1934)
0.00129
19341556
(-43 from 1933)
23
(-1 from 1933)
0.00213
19331513
(-25 from 1932)
24
(-2 from 1932)
0.00229
19321488
(+61 from 1931)
26
(+2 from 1931)
0.00235
19311549
(+326 from 1930)
24
(+5 from 1930)
0.00217
19301875
(-349 from 1929)
19
(-7 from 1929)
0.00163
19291526
(-101 from 1928)
26
(-4 from 1928)
0.00225
19281425
(+347 from 1927)
30
(+7 from 1927)
0.00251
19271772
(-447 from 1926)
23
(-12 from 1926)
0.00186
19261325
(+284 from 1925)
35
(+8 from 1925)
0.00285
19251609
(+70 from 1924)
27
(+1 from 1924)
0.00214
19241679
(-81 from 1923)
26
(-1 from 1923)
0.00201
19231598
(+789 from 1922)
27
(+12 from 1922)
0.00216
19222387
(-566 from 1921)
15
(-8 from 1921)
0.00120
19211821
(+131 from 1920)
23
(+3 from 1920)
0.00180
19201952
(+432 from 1919)
20
(+6 from 1919)
0.00161
19192384
(-95 from 1918)
14
(-1 from 1918)
0.00119
19182289
(+590 from 1917)
15
(+5 from 1917)
0.00125
19172879
(-1140 from 1916)
10
(-10 from 1916)
0.00089
19161739
(-216 from 1915)
20
(-3 from 1915)
0.00184
19151523
(+602 from 1914)
23
(+12 from 1914)
0.00225
19142125
(-359 from 1913)
11
(-1 from 1913)
0.00138
19131766
(+868 from 1912)
12
(+6 from 1912)
0.00183
19122634
(-426 from 1909)
6
(+1 from 1909)
0.00102
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19092208
(-769 from 1908)
5
(-4 from 1908)
0.00136
19081439
(+622 from 1907)
9
(+4 from 1907)
0.00254
19072061
(-645 from 1906)
5
(-3 from 1906)
0.00148
19061416
(-52 from 1904)
8
No change from 1904
0.00255
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19041364
(+429 from 1902)
8
(+3 from 1902)
0.00274
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19021793
(-455 from 1890)
5
No change from 1890
0.00178
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18901338
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00248
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Willow

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

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#922021#1002022#1492023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#792021#782022#842023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#172021#182022#112023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#182021#162022#352023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#622021#522022#632023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#192021#192022#232023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#222021#212022#282023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#132021#102022#122023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#982021#662022#792023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#122021#152022#122023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#402021#482022#472023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#342021#302022#272023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#152021#112022#112023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#282021#362022#352023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#302021#372022#322023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#152021#172022#232023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#82021#102022#72023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#372021#452022#512023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#362021#472022#452023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#242021#172022#142023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#142021#172022#482023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#162021#212022#132023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#532021#592022#402023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#102021#192022#152023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#322021#222022#192023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#132021#82022#132023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#872021#862022#952023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#542021#552022#632023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#1042021#1012022#1222023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#322021#352022#502023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#42021#42022#52023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#242021#232022#272023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#532021#492022#372023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#172021#312022#212023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#102021#172022#332023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#192021#112022#102023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#272021#272022#322023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#422021#642022#522023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#952021#762022#1012023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#302021#262022#542023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#92021#172022#122023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#212021#132022#352023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#112021#512022#132023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#172021#272022#92023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#692021#372022#292023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#942021#682022#1032023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#312021#552022#392023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#462021#602022#2122023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#52019#272021#422023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#772021#732022#962023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2872019#2042021#2192023

Popularity Rankings for Willow in other Countries and American Territories

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

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#62021#72022#62023

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#142021#102022#192023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#192019#122020#102021

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#262021#252022#232023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#242021#322022#452023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#292021#372022#502023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#422021#442022#392023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#6132020#2402021#2782022

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#7242015#7112016

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#7562022

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#8352022#8802023

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

Is Willow a Name for Boys or Girls?

Willow is primarily used as a girl’s name. Its use for boys is less common but still valid.

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

Willow in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Willow Smith (Singer and Actress, Born 2000): A multi-talented American artist, daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, known for her music career and roles in films like "I Am Legend" and "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl."
  • Willow Shields (Actress, Born 2000): An American actress has gained fame as Primrose Everdeen in "The Hunger Games" film series and starred in the Netflix series "Spinning Out".
  • Willow Bay (Journalist, Born 1963): An American television journalist and academic, currently serving as the Dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism .
  • Willow Hand (Model, Born 1998): This American girl is known for opening Prada’s A/W fashion show at 16 years old and walking in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2018 .
  • Willow Palin (Public Figure, Born 1994): Known primarily for being the daughter of Sarah Palin, the former governor of Alaska .
  • Willow Rosenberg ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," 1997 TV Series): A key character in the TV show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," portrayed by Alyson Hannigan, who develops from a shy high school student to a powerful witch .
  • Willow City (North Dakota, USA): A small, picturesque city known for its scenic drives and rural charm.
  • Willow Creek Community (California, USA): Known as the "Bigfoot Capital of the World," it's a focal point for enthusiasts of the legendary creature.

Similar Names to Willow

Sibling Names for Willow

Parents Who Like the Name Willow Also Like

Delving into the meaning of the name Willow reveals its deep roots in nature and symbolism of resilience. If you’re drawn to this beautiful name, or if it holds a special place in your heart, I’d love to hear your stories! Drop your thoughts in the comments below and click like or share the article to others who are also looking for the meaning of the name Willow.
Helen Doanna

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.
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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.

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