Holding steady.
Popularity of Willye since 1901
Babies named Willye per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1923, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Willye's real moment was 1901.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 20 |
| 1910s | 81 |
| 1920s | 99 |
| 1930s | 49 |
| 1940s | 86 |
| 1950s | 31 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Willye is a rare feminine variant of William that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1901, its peak year. Since then, it has maintained a stable but very low usage, with no recorded births in most recent years. As a diminutive form, it fits into the early 20th century tradition of feminizing masculine names with an '-ie' or '-y' ending, similar to Billie or Willie. While no top states are associated with the name, its simple pronunciation and soft ending make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a vintage, underused name.
Willye is a diminutive or feminine variant of William, which derives from the Old Norman French form of the Germanic name Wilhelm, composed of wil "will, desire" and helm "helmet, protection." The name was introduced to England by the Normans and became extremely popular, giving rise to numerous pet forms and feminine variants such as Willie and Willye. Willye was recorded predominantly in the early 20th century in the United States data.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Will, Willy
Sibling names for Willye
Names that share Willye's style, for a brother or sister.
