Willard
Willard is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Resolute bravery or strong-willed desire.
Origin and history
Willard is derived from Germanic roots meaning 'resolute' or 'brave' combined with 'desire'. Historically common in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it has become a vintage classic today. It remains a recognizable traditional masculine name.
Popularity in the United States
77,658 babies in the United States have been named Willard since 1880. It ranks #376 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1681.
States where it is most popular
- PA (6.2 %)
- OH (5.7 %)
- IL (5.4 %)
- KY (5 %)
- NY (4.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 939 |
| 1890-1900 | 1,240 |
| 1900-1910 | 1,821 |
| 1910-1920 | 15,364 |
| 1920-1930 | 18,440 |
| 1930-1940 | 12,460 |
| 1940-1950 | 10,603 |
| 1950-1960 | 7,032 |
| 1960-1970 | 4,289 |
| 1970-1980 | 2,262 |
| 1980-1990 | 1,206 |
| 1990-2000 | 748 |
| 2000-2010 | 568 |
| 2010-2019 | 440 |
| 2020-2029 | 246 |
Famous people named Willard
- Willard Scott: Weather Anchor, TV Personality
- Willard Smith: Actor, Rapper
Nicknames
Will, Willie
Fun facts
- Willard was a top-100 name for boys in the United States around the turn of the 20th century.
- The name combines the Old English elements 'wil' (will or desire) and 'heard' (brave or hardy).