Holding steady.
Popularity of Willey since 1914
Babies named Willey per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 41 |
| 1920s | 82 |
| 1930s | 76 |
| 1940s | 32 |
| 1950s | 28 |
| 1960s | 12 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Willey is a rare given name that originated as an English surname referring to a willow meadow. Its use as a first name peaked in the early 20th century, with the highest recorded number of births in 1924. Since then, its popularity has declined sharply, and it remains a highly uncommon choice today. The name has a stable trajectory with no recent revival. As a transferred surname, it shares a style with other old-fashioned English names from the 1920s era, a time when many patronymic and place-derived names gained brief popularity. Willey's rarity makes it a distinctive choice for those seeking a name with historical roots.
Willey is an English surname transferred to given name use. It derives from various place names in England, typically meaning 'willow wood' or 'willow clearing' from Old English 'welig' (willow) and 'leah' (wood, clearing). The surname originated in locations such as Willey in Shropshire and Warwickshire. As a first name, it saw modest use in the early 20th century, peaking in the 1920s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Will, Wil
Sibling names for Willey
Names that share Willey's style, for a brother or sister.
