Baby Name of the Day: Willa

The baby name Willa mixes literary appeal with 21st century style.

Thanks to Aliciamae for suggesting Baby Name of the Day.

WHAT DOES THE NAME WILLA MEAN?

The baby name Willa’s origins might feel obvious: it’s a feminine form of the evergreen William.

As for William? It claims a German origin, specifically willo – will or desire – paired with helm – helmet. This leads to flowery meanings like “resolute protection.” It’s not wrong, but it’s a little bit of an elaboration.

Feminine name equivalent Wilhelmina comes from Wilhelm, the German version of William. It’s been worn by queens and other notables. Dutch model Wilhelmina Cooper founded a modeling agency which still bears her name.

But in searching for feminine forms of William, Wilhelmina might feel a little much. It’s a sister for Henrietta.

Boyish nickname name Billie is one option. Will Smith opted for Willow.

But brief, complete baby name Willa is another girl’s name with all the rich history of William and a more current sound.

LITERARY WILLA

Like current favorites Emma and Harper, this name is effortlessly – and obviously – literary.

Born Wilella, Willa Cather became a Pulitzer Prize winning author. Known for her tales of life on the American frontier, her novels, including 1913’s O Pioneers! and 1918’s My Antonia, remain widely read today.

Cather taught English and wrote for women’s magazines before her novels became successful. They were best sellers, and a success with literary critics. 

They were also groundbreaking – at the time, no one wrote about the lives of immigrants, or life in places like Nebraska.

Other noteworthy women by the name: pioneering aviator Willa Brown, the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license, as well as Willa Player, the first African American woman to become president of a fully accredited four-year college. 

21st CENTURY COMEBACK

The name’s comeback started in the early twentieth century.

Some credit goes to brother William’s popularity, as well as our affection for names like Ella and Stella.

Then pop culture gave us:

• Born Amanda Williford, singer Willa Ford opened for the Backstreet Boys on their 2000 tour, and went on to guest host several MTV shows. She’s also tried her hand at modeling and acting since.
• The New York Times bestselling children’s book series, The Kingdom Keepers, about a group of real life kids who defeat Disney villains. One of the heroes is named Willa. The first book was published in 2005.
• Actress Willa Holland joined the cast of The O.C. in 2006, and then guested on Gossip Girl in 2008. Around the same time Holland appeared on Gossip Girl, a character by the name figured in a plot line.
• There’s also actress Willa Fitzgerald, recently seen in Reacher and The Fall of the House of Usher.
• In 2011, actress Keri Russell gave the name to a daughter.
• Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas welcomed daughter Willa in 2020.

Combined with that stylish sound, it’s no surprise that the baby name Willa is on the rise.

HOW POPULAR IS THE NAME WILLA?

From 1880 through 1962, the baby name Willa was a Top 1000 mainstay in the United States.

The name peaked in the high 200s in the 1930s – not a chart-topper, but a steadily used name.

Then Willa started to plummet, and by the 1970s and 80s, only two or three dozen girls were given the name every year.

In 2010, the name re-entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in nearly five decades. As of 2024, it ranked #423.

VINTAGE STRENGTH

In recent years, the baby name Willa has hovered in the 300s and 400s. It’s nicely uncommon, especially compared to the steady Top Ten rank of brother name William.

This name combines vintage appeal with a steady, classic strength. It’s a sister – or a substitute – for Nora. 

If you’re looking for a traditional choice that feels under-the-radar, but also fits right in, Willa could be the perfect choice for your family.

What do you think of the baby name Willa?

First published on May 24, 2016, this post was revised on October 9, 2025.