Declining since 1985, #2,539 for boys today.
Popularity of Willis since 1880
Babies named Willis per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Willis's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,388 |
| 1890s | 1,331 |
| 1900s | 1,468 |
| 1910s | 7,339 |
| 1920s | 11,704 |
| 1930s | 8,191 |
| 1940s | 6,161 |
| 1950s | 4,586 |
| 1960s | 3,058 |
| 1970s | 2,213 |
| 1980s | 1,923 |
| 1990s | 1,232 |
| 2000s | 752 |
| 2010s | 660 |
| 2020s | 330 |
Meaning & origin
Willis is an English patronymic surname turned given name, meaning 'son of Will.' It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, its peak year, and ranked 2,539th in 2025. Its trajectory has been falling steadily since 1985, with use becoming quite rare: about 1 in 32,848 boys received the name in the latest year. Willis reflects a once-common pattern of converting surnames into first names, and its decline mirrors the broader shift away from turn-of-the-century favorites.
Willis is an English patronymic surname turned given name, derived from the medieval personal name Will, a short form of William, combined with the patronymic suffix -is. As a first name, it saw its peak use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States.
Where Willis is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Will, Willy
Variants: Willis
Sibling names for Willis
Names that share Willis's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mabel, Nellie, Cora, Etta, Lola, Eula, Leta, Cordia, Kizzie, Loma, Verdie, Birda, Coretha, Fleeta, Lajean, Metta, Odean, Opha, Oretha, Rayma, Twilla, Caretha, Carle, Clema, Darcus, Lonia, Pernie, Wandra, Dama, Elvy, Eulla, Iness, Ovetta
Brothers: Earl, Clarence, Lloyd, Harold, Raymond, Acie, Alton, Alvis, Felton, Gilmer, Murl, Ancil, Handy, Merril, Alvey, Anner, Artice, Audy, Dorse, Harlis, Loys, Maston, Merrel, Vondell, Jewett, Elzia, Harl, Leray, Olis, Robey
