Willard
Willard is of Old German origin, derived from the elements "wil" meaning "will, desire" and "hard" meaning "brave, hardy." It conveys strength of character and resolute determination.
Current Popularity
#2760 for boys
in the United States (2025)
Popularity over time
Good to Know
- •Classic name with a scholarly, distinguished feel
- •Easy to spell and pronounce
- •Associated with the movie 'Willard' (1971) about rats, though this hasn't diminished its use
- •Strong vintage appeal, popular in early-to-mid 20th century
Similar Names
Famous People
Willard Scott
Television weatherman and Today Show personality
Willard Mitt Romney
U.S. Senator and former presidential candidate
Willard Van Orman Quine
Influential philosopher and logician
Willard Libby
Nobel Prize-winning chemist who developed radiocarbon dating
Statistics
77,658
Total births since 1880
1915
Peak year
Discovery
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