Willa: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced WIL-uh · 2 syllables
Derived from Wilhelmina and recoined in the 19th century in America based on the male given names Will and William.
- Origin
- Germanic
- Pronunciation
- WIL-uh
- US rank (2025)
- #422
- US babies a year
- about 775 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2020
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Rising
How popular is Willa?
Willa was the #422 name in the US in 2025, given to 742 babies. It’s rising: up 69% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #422 |
| England & Wales | #970 |
| Canada | #592 |
| Australia | #288 |
How old are people named Willa?
Half of US adults named Willa are older than 70; most are between 19 and 91. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Willa
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Willa
How do you pronounce Willa?
Willa is pronounced WIL-uh.
How popular is the name Willa?
Willa was the #422 name in the US in 2025, given to 742 babies. It’s rising: up 69% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
How old are people named Willa?
Half of US adults named Willa are older than 70. Most are between 19 and 91.