Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Willa
GirlEnglish, Germanic· “will, desire; protection”
- Meaning
- will, desire; protection
- Origin
- English, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- WIL-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #422
- US babies 2025
- 742
- Best rank
- #274 (1932)
- Peak year
- 2019
Meaning and origin of Willa
Willa is an English and Germanic name that means “will, desire; protection”.
Willa is a feminine form of William, from the Germanic Willahelm, built from wil, will or desire, and helm, helmet or protection. The novelist Willa Cather, known for books about life on the Great Plains such as My Antonia, is its best-known bearer. The name was used modestly in the early twentieth century and has returned as a gentle vintage choice. It feels soft and literary, with a connection to the willow tree in sound though not in origin. Willa needs no nickname, though Willie is possible.
Popularity over time
Willa has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 99 different years. Its best national rank was #274 in 1932, and the most babies received it in 2019, when 889 were named Willa. In 2025, 742 babies were named Willa, and it ranked #422 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #317 in 1920, #507 in 1950, #3,502 in 1980, #2,671 in 2000, #954 in 2010, and #422 in 2025. Of the 32,824 US girls named Willa since records began, 17% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 4,792 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Elle, Nylah, Demi, Alaya, and Royalty.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Willa ranked highest in North Dakota, Colorado, and Minnesota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | #115 | 9 |
| Colorado | #165 | 36 |
| Minnesota | #166 | 33 |
| Montana | #167 | 7 |
| Nebraska | #168 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Willa is usually pronounced WIL-uh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with W and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Willa
A few middle names that flow with Willa: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Willa
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Lists that include Willa
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Willa mean?
Willa is an English and Germanic name that means “will, desire; protection”.
What is the origin of the name Willa?
Willa has English and Germanic roots. Willa is a feminine form of William, from the Germanic Willahelm, built from wil, will or desire, and helm, helmet or protection.
Is Willa a popular name?
Yes. Willa ranked #422 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Willa a boy or girl name?
Willa is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Willa?
Willa is usually pronounced WIL-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings