Origin, Meaning, And History of Willa
The name Willa is typically considered the feminine version of the masculine names, Wilhelm or William. In Old German, Wilhelm is composed of two elements: “wil” meaning “will” or “desire,” and “helm,” meaning “helmet” or “protection.” Together, the name means “resolute protection” and was brought to England after the Norman Conquest. In addition to evoking strong and valiant imagery, the name Willa also brings to mind images of nature, which is strongly associated with Willow or Lily.
As the female diminutive of William or Wilhelm, the name Willa dates back to the Old Germanic kings. William I or Wilhelm I was the King of Prussia and the Emperor of ancient Germany. It was under his leadership that Germany was unified, and the German empire was established. He was described as polite, gallant, and open to classical liberal ideas, more so than his succeeding grandson, Wilhelm II. He was one of the most recognizable historical figures of World War I and gained a reputation as a military commander through his bold speeches.
Willa originated as a short form of the name Wilhelmina and can also be alternatively spelled as Wila, Wylla, and Willah. However, the name bears some of the most charming nicknames like Will, Willie, and Lala.
Willa has gained popularity over the past 20 years and has also made its way into popular culture.Willa Fisher Chenowithis a fictional character appearing in the American drama series “Six Feet Under.” She is the younger daughter of Nate Fisher, who was born prematurely and was keen on learning neurology.Willa Jean Kemp是一个虚构的人物出现在1884 American novel “Ramona” by Helen Hunt Jackson. She is Howie’s sister, living on Klickitat Street, and is liked by Ramona.Willa Jacksonis the protagonist appearing in the novel “The Peach Keeper” by Sarah Addison Allen, who returns to her homeland from her longtime husband.
How To Pronounce Willa?
Famous People With The Name Willa
- Willa HollandAmerican actress and model, known for her role in “The O.C”
- Amanda Lee WillifordAmerican singer, television personality, and actress, known by her stage name Willa Ford, released her first album Willa Was Here
- Willa FitzgeraldAmerican actress, known for her role in MTV’s “Scream”
- Willa Sibert CatherAmerican writer, known for her works “O Pioneers!”, “My Antonia”, and “The Song of the Lark”
- Willa of TuscanyQueen consort of Italy
Willa On The Popularity Chart
Will did not have a good start at the beginning of the 1980s. However, it slowly moved up on the charts. See the graph below to understand its popularity and ranking trend over the years.
Popularity Over Time
Willa gained popularity in the 2000s and reached its peak in 2019 when 889 babies per million shared this name. The graph below shows the popularity trend.
Source:Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
Willa was among the top 3000 most popular names till 2001 after which it improved its ranking and was included under the top 1000 names. In 2021, it held the 353rd position. Check the graph below for more information.
Source:Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar Sound As Willa
Willa sounds great, isn’t it? But do you want to explore names with a similar sound to Willa but with a different meaning? Take a look.
Popular Sibling Names For Willa
Other Popular Names Beginning With W
Names With Similar Meaning As Willa
Want to explore more names with a meaning similar to a strong protector? Here are some best picks.
Infographic: Know The Name’s Personality As Per Numerology
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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How To Communicate The Name In Other Languages
In Nautical Flags
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In Sign Language
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In Braille Alphabet
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In Morse Code
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Name Numerology For Willa
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Willa?
The name Willa means ‘will’ or ‘desire’ and ‘protection.’
2. What is the origin of the name Willa?
Willa has an Old German origin.
3. How to pronounce the name Willa?
Willa is pronounced as wih-luh.
4. Are there any celebrities named Willa?
Yes. Celebrities named Willa include Willa Holland, an American actress known for roles in The O.C. and Arrow, and Willa Ford, an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her pop music career in the early 2000s.
5. Is Willa a unisex name?
Willa is primarily considered a feminine name, often seen as the feminine form of masculine names like Wilhelm or William. The traditional association and usage of Willa lean towards it being a feminine name.
6. What are some middle names that pair well with Willa?
Add a touch of elegance to the name Willa with these three creative old German middle names:Gertrude, Mathilde, and Hedwig. These pairings infuse a vintage charm and unique style, giving Willa a sophisticated and timeless appeal.
