Willa
Willa is a girls' name of German origin meaning “resolute protector, will helmet.” It ranked #422 in the United States in 2025. The feminine form of William, derived from Germanic elements meaning will and helmet or protection.
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how do you pronounce Willa?
WIL-uh
where does the name Willa come from?
From Wilhelmina, and so related to Will and William.
Literary associations include Willa Cather, the acclaimed American novelist known for her depictions of the American frontier.
how popular is this name?
Willa has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 99 years since 1880, and fell outside it for 47. It peaked at #273 in 1932, and ranked #422 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #422 |
| 2024 | #423 |
| 2023 | #429 |
| 2022 | #395 |
| 2021 | #351 |
| 2020 | #349 |
| 2019 | #356 |
| 2018 | #383 |
| 2017 | #453 |
| 2016 | #461 |
| 2010 | #951 |
| 1960 | #851 |
| 1950 | #506 |
| 1940 | #329 |
| 1932 | #273 |
| 1930 | #291 |
| 1920 | #317 |
| 1910 | #340 |
| 1900 | #369 |
| 1890 | #358 |
| 1880 | #492 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Willa fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Willa
In 19th-century America Willa was recoined as a name in its own right from Will and William. The novelist Willa Cather (1873-1947) is its best-known bearer.
who are famous people named Willa?
- Willa Cather (novelist)
- Willa Holland (actress)
what names are similar to Willa?
what names go well with Willa?
Sibling names that share Willa's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Willa
What does the name Willa mean?
Willa means “resolute protector, will helmet”.
What is the origin of the name Willa?
Willa comes from the German naming tradition.
How popular is the name Willa?
Willa ranked #422 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1932, at #273, and it has spent 99 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Willa a boy or girl name?
Willa is primarily a girls' name.
How do you pronounce Willa?
Willa is pronounced WIL-uh, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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