Willa
wi(l)-la
US Popularity:815
Origin:German
Meaning:will, desire; helmet or protection
Germanic in origin, Willa is a girl’s that has increased in popularity over the yeras, making it into the top 500 feminine given names in 2015. A diminutive of Wilhelmina and a feminine version of Wilhelm or William, Willa is a particularly strong name to give baby. In Old High German, wil translates to “will” or “desire,” while helm means “helmet” or “protection.” Together, they mean “resolute protection,” a bold moniker for baby to wield throughout her life. Willa is perhaps best known as the name of Willa Cather, the Pulitzer Prize-winning American author who penned such iconic works as O Pioneers! and My Antonia. Such a legendary writer makes for an inspiring namesake for baby.
Willa Name Popularity Data
The Bump Ranking
Overall:Willa is currently #587 on The Bump
Girl:Willa is currently #246 on The Bump Girl Names
U.S. Births
Overall:Willa is currently #815 in U.S. births
Girl:Willa is currently #294 in U.S. births
Yearly Ranking Change:
Year:
2022
#815
in 2022
- 82
from 2021
Sources
WordSense, Willa
Behind the Name, Willa, October 2012
Online Etymology Dictionary, William, October 2017
Online Etymology Dictionary, Wilhelm, September 2017
Britannica, Willa Cather, American author, October 2023
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