Willa Name Meaning

The name is derived from the Germanic name Wilhelm, which means “will” or “desire” and “helmet” or “protection.” In other words, Willa is a strong-willed protector.

Popularity of the Name Willa

Willa has been on the rise in popularity in recent years, but it’s still considered a relatively uncommon name. In fact, it wasn’t even on the top 1,000 list of most popular baby girl names in the United States until the early 2000s. But since then, it’s been slowly climbing the ranks, and it’s now a trendy and unique choice for parents looking for a name that’s both classic and modern.

Famous Willas

One of the most famous Willas of recent history is Willa Cather, an American author known for her novels about the American West. Her most famous work, “My Ántonia,” is considered a classic of American literature. Another notable Willa is Willa Holland, an American actress, who played Thea Queen/Speedy in the series Arrow.

Willa has also made appearances in pop culture. For example, in the movie “The Parent Trap” (1998), Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson played a couple who named their twin daughters Annie and Hallie, but they were also considering to name them Willa and Tessa.

Final Thoughts on the Name Willa

Willa is a name that’s both traditional and modern, classic and unique. It’s a name that has a strong meaning and a rich history, but it’s also on the rise and gaining popularity. It’s a name that’s perfect for a strong-willed, independent, and protective girl.

Overall, Willa is a name that has a rich history and a strong meaning, yet it’s also a unique and trendy choice for parents looking for a modern name. With famous Willas like Willa Cather and Willa Holland and pop culture references, the name has gained popularity in recent years and is sure to continue to rise in popularity in the future.

Infographic of Willa name meaning, which is will helmet, protection
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Willa Name Popularity

How popular is the name Willa? Here’s everything we know.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 — 100 0.0284%
1911 — 103 0.0277%
1912 — 143 0.0284%
1913 — 165 0.0291%
1914 — 222 0.0319%
1915 — 246 0.0271%
1916 — 278 0.0288%
1917 — 303 0.0303%
1918 — 400 0.0373%
1919 — 355 0.0339%
1920 — 391 0.0352%
1921 — 370 0.0323%
1922 — 400 0.0359%
1923 — 435 0.0388%
1924 — 437 0.0376%
1925 — 488 0.0432%
1926 — 502 0.0456%
1927 — 538 0.0486%
1928 — 472 0.0441%
1929 — 465 0.0449%
1930 — 480 0.046%
1931 — 419 0.0425%
1932 — 477 0.0483%
1933 — 425 0.0456%
1934 — 449 0.0464%
1935 — 388 0.0399%
1936 — 416 0.0432%
1937 — 372 0.0378%
1938 — 339 0.0331%
1939 — 345 0.0339%
1940 — 342 0.0322%
1941 — 367 0.0326%
1942 — 383 0.0303%
1943 — 331 0.0254%
1944 — 340 0.0274%
1945 — 304 0.0249%
1946 — 272 0.0184%
1947 — 268 0.0161%
1948 — 208 0.013%
1949 — 248 0.0154%
1950 — 219 0.0136%
1951 — 199 0.0117%
1952 — 253 0.0145%
1953 — 191 0.0108%
1954 — 179 0.0098%
1955 — 187 0.0102%
1956 — 146 0.0077%
1957 — 119 0.0062%
1958 — 114 0.006%
1959 — 97 0.0051%
1960 — 99 0.0052%
1961 — 82 0.0043%
1962 — 104 0.0057%
1963 — 51 0.0028%
1964 — 63 0.0036%
1965 — 53 0.0032%
1966 — 23 0.0015%
1967 — 33 0.0022%
1968 — 5 0.0003%
1969 — 0 0%
1970 — 11 0.0007%
1971 — 12 0.0008%
1972 — 6 0.0004%
1973 — 0 0%
1974 — 0 0%
1975 — 0 0%
1976 — 0 0%
1977 — 0 0%
1978 — 0 0%
1979 — 6 0.0004%
1980 — 0 0%
1981 — 6 0.0004%
1982 — 0 0%
1983 — 5 0.0003%
1984 — 11 0.0007%
1985 — 0 0%
1986 — 0 0%
1987 — 0 0%
1988 — 8 0.0005%
1989 — 0 0%
1990 — 0 0%
1991 — 0 0%
1992 — 5 0.0003%
1993 — 11 0.0007%
1994 — 21 0.0014%
1995 — 11 0.0007%
1996 — 13 0.0009%
1997 — 7 0.0005%
1998 — 8 0.0005%
1999 — 14 0.0009%
2000 — 6 0.0004%
2001 — 18 0.0012%
2002 — 57 0.0038%
2003 — 26 0.0017%
2004 — 53 0.0035%
2005 — 65 0.0043%
2006 — 37 0.0024%
2007 — 138 0.0087%
2008 — 216 0.014%
2009 — 197 0.0132%
2010 — 221 0.0153%
2011 — 204 0.0143%
2012 — 352 0.0247%
2013 — 385 0.027%
2014 — 532 0.0365%
2015 — 643 0.0442%
2016 — 654 0.0454%
2017 — 676 0.0484%
2018 — 776 0.0565%
2019 — 865 0.0639%
2020 — 822 0.0646%
2021 — 770 0.063%
2022 — 767 0.0581%
2023 — 693 0.0535%

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Data via SSA.gov.

Names Like Willa

If you like Willa, you’ll love these other names like Willa.

What names sound like Willa?

If you like how Willa sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Willa.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Aila

Blessed

Scandinavian

Ailli
Alla

A diminutive form of Alice.

Eila

Tree

Hebrew

Ella

Other goddess

Hebrew

Illa

Tree

Hebrew

Jill

“A sweetheart,” from the standard meaning of the word.

Latin

Jilli
Jilly

Youthful

Latin

Olla

Ancestor's relic

Scandinavian

Ulla

Will, determination

Scandinavian

Wally

A variant form of Wallis, with the added implication of pleasant ampleness.

Willie

Will helmet, protection

German

Willow

Willow tree

English

Willy

Will helmet, protection

German

Yulla

Wealthy; gem of the sea; sacred red

Scandinavian

What names are similar to Willa?

Find a name that’s like Willa, but just a little bit different.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Billa

Will helmet, protection

German

Billie

A feminine diminutive of William.

English

Cilla

Blind; sixth; ancient, venerable

Welsh

Dilla

Small winged one

Latin

Lilla

Latin

Milla

Helper to the priest

Latin

Rilla

Small brook

German

Twyla

Twilight

American

Wilda

Untamed; willow tree

German

Wilhelmina

Will helmet, protection

German

Willda

Untamed; willow tree

German

Willma

Will helmet, protection

German

Wilma

Will helmet, protection

German

Wilna

Will helmet, protection

German

Zilla

Shadow

Hebrew

Lists With Willa

Find inspiration in these baby girl name lists featuring the name Willa.

Siblings of Willa

Mamas with kids named Willa also have kids with these names.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Merit

Boundary gate

English

Liberty

Freedom

English

Wyatt

Brave in battle

English

10 Comments

  1. My husband and I did a name generating app (like tinder for baby names!). We weren’t matching on many names but one day I stumbled across it and we both fell in love with it. We always wanted something a little older and not popular, and it checked all the boxes. We kept her name a secret until she was born because we were worried people would think it’s weird but we love it so much, and everyone absolutely loves it too!

    Reply

  2. I didn’t know that the name Willa means something

    Reply

  3. Our little Cockapoo is named Willa. The name suits her and we love when we call her. She is a beautiful, sassy, and loving.

    Reply

  4. It’s old fashioned and classic, but not common. Has a strong meaning and we loved that it started with a W and was two syllables.

    Reply

  5. I think it is a good name even though pleople call my daughter willow a lot that is A-OK

    Reply

  6. Great name popularized by author Willa Cather whose birth name was Willella. I get compliments all the time although I had no say in choosing it.

    Reply

  7. My husband heard this name and I loved it immediately. It has a classic, old-fashioned feel and it’s simple and easy to pronounce, without being common. It rolls off the tongue and I love calling my daughter by her name.
    The only thing I’m not crazy about is people confusing it with Willow, which to me has a totally different, more modern, earthy vibe. Also a nice name but not the feel we were going for.

    Reply

  8. Willa is a simple and feminine name with German dissent meaning “resolute protector”. I love that it is short and sweet and beautiful in all stages of life.

    Reply

  9. For the less adventurous, these sassy streamlined Teutonic names (including Hallie, Millie, Minnie, and Willa), for now, are still much-loved by Asian new parents.

    Reply

  10. Loved the old lady feel of this name, and the fact that I’ve never heard of any others!

    Reply

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