Willie
Willie is a girl's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Resolute protector or resolute guardian.
Origin and history
Willie is a diminutive of Wilhelmina or William, derived from the Germanic elements root meaning 'resolute protector'. While historically popular as a feminine given name in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its modern usage for girls is very rare. Today, it is mostly perceived as a classic vintage diminutive or a unisex heritage name.
Popularity in the United States
146,197 babies in the United States have been named Willie since 1880. It ranks #275 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2070.
States where it is most popular
- GA (14.6 %)
- AL (14.2 %)
- MS (13 %)
- TX (11.5 %)
- SC (7.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 3,397 |
| 1890-1900 | 7,109 |
| 1900-1910 | 12,357 |
| 1910-1920 | 28,179 |
| 1920-1930 | 37,814 |
| 1930-1940 | 23,873 |
| 1940-1950 | 18,098 |
| 1950-1960 | 10,059 |
| 1960-1970 | 3,631 |
| 1970-1980 | 1,021 |
| 1980-1990 | 458 |
| 1990-2000 | 132 |
| 2000-2010 | 18 |
| 2010-2019 | 20 |
| 2020-2029 | 31 |
Famous people named Willie
- Willie Shoemaker: Jockey
Nicknames
Will, Lee
Fun facts
- Willie was frequently given to baby girls in the U.S. during the late 1800s, ranking among the top 100 female names at the time.
- It originated as a pet form for names like Wilhelmina, Wilma, or William.