Willa

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Desire; Will

Background: The name Willa originates from the Germanic name 'Wilhelmina,' which is composed of the elements meaning 'desire' and 'will.' It is also connected to the Old French name 'Willelme,' further emphasizing its roots in meaning related to intention and volition.

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#791
Total births
32,101
Most popular decade
2010s (16,956 births)
10-year trend
↑ Rising (+128 ranks)
Years in Top 100
0
First recorded year
1880

Gender usage

0.1% male 99.9% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1929
First year births
7
First year rank
#3,247
Peak year
1929
Peak year births
7
Peak rank
#3,247
Most recent year
1937
Recent year births
6
Recent rank
#3,175

Female

First year
1880
First year births
12
First year rank
#492
Peak year
2019
Peak year births
889
Peak rank
#356
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
729
Recent rank
#423

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

Related links