Rising since 1986, #422 for girls today.
Popularity of Willa since 1880
Babies named Willa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 239 |
| 1890s | 527 |
| 1900s | 890 |
| 1910s | 2,669 |
| 1920s | 4,792 |
| 1930s | 4,441 |
| 1940s | 3,415 |
| 1950s | 2,118 |
| 1960s | 956 |
| 1970s | 333 |
| 1980s | 283 |
| 1990s | 404 |
| 2000s | 1,344 |
| 2010s | 5,652 |
| 2020s | 4,761 |
Meaning & origin
Willa represents a classic feminine name that has been steadily gaining favor after a long period of moderate use. First recorded in the United States in 1880, the name saw its peak rank of 422 in 2025, with a resurgence beginning in 1986. Currently, approximately 1 in 2,166 girls are named Willa, reflecting its upward trajectory. The name is most popular in the top states of North Dakota, Montana, and Nebraska, indicating a strong regional preference in the northern Midwest. Willa's appeal lies in its soft yet sturdy sound, balancing vintage charm with a modern sensibility. While never extremely common, its consistent rise over the past four decades suggests a growing appreciation for this traditional name.
Willa originated as a feminine diminutive of William, which itself comes from the Old High German name Willahelm (wil 'will, desire' + helm 'helmet, protection'). The name emerged in the 19th century as an independent given name in the English-speaking world, often used as a short form of Wilhelmina or as a feminine counterpart to William. It gained modest popularity in the late 1800s and has seen a resurgence in recent decades.
Where Willa is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Willa” around the world
Where Willa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
30
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Will, Willie
Sibling names for Willa
Names that share Willa's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Eloise, Hazel, Iris, Maeve, Ruby, Ada, Arya, Mila, Nora, Penelope, Twyla, Lahoma, Lanna, Wynona, Zona, Wanna, Willo, Willodean, Ellowyn, Sway, Sydna, Wilba, Winda, Wynonia
Brothers: Henry, Theodore, Oliver, Jasper, Felix, Kip, Quintin, Silas, Theo, Wilmer, Winford, Wyatt, Collis, Lenwood, Woodie, Bruin, Darrow, Dashiel, Kelso, Marvelle, Wess, Woodroe, Arvell, Autry, Calian, Williom, Huckston, Wane
Names like Willa
Names whose popularity has moved with Willa's over the last 50 years.
