Home β€Ί Baby Names Directory β€Ί Willard

Willard

β™‚ Boy

Pronounced WIL-erd /ˈwΙͺl.Ι™rd/High

Meaning: Resolute and brave; strong-willed and hardyHigh

In 30 seconds: Willard is a Germanic-rooted English name meaning 'resolute and brave.' A dignified vintage name popular in early 20th-century America, it belonged to presidents, scientists, and cultural figures alike.
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Origin HighOld Germanic, Old English
MeaningResolute and brave; strong-willed and hardy
U.S. rank (2024)#3034 β†˜ Falling
2024 U.S. births41 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1915
Total births (all-time)β‰ˆ 77,607

Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data

peak 191518802024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Willard derives from Old High German Willihard, composed of willo (will, desire) and hard (brave, strong). The name entered English through Norman influence and became established as both a surname and given name. By the 19th century it was common in the United States, where it was borne by educators, inventors, and politicians.

Willard peaked in American popularity between 1900 and 1940. Notable bearers include Willard Gibbs, the pioneering American scientist who helped found thermodynamics, and Willard Scott, beloved television weatherman. The name carries a wholesome, mid-century American quality.

Did you know? Willard is the real first name of American actor Will Smith β€” his full name is Willard Carroll Smith Jr. β€” though the actor made his shortened nickname famous worldwide.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name β€” Willard β€” Germanic etymology and English usageUS SSA Baby Name Historical Data β€” Popularity trends

Variations

WilliamWilliardWyllard

Nicknames

WillWillyBill

Famous Bearers

  • β˜…Josiah Willard Gibbs (1839–1903)
    American scientist who founded modern statistical mechanics and chemical thermodynamics
  • β˜…Willard Scott (1934–2021)
    American television personality and longtime weatherman on NBC's Today show

If you like Willard…

Williamβ€” Shares the Germanic will- root and similar English history
Wilburβ€” Old Germanic name with parallel structure and vintage feel
Leonardβ€” Germanic -hard name with same brave/strong suffix

Frequently Asked

What does the name Willard mean?

Willard means 'resolute and brave,' from Old High German Willihard, combining will (desire) and hard (brave, strong).

How do you pronounce Willard?

Willard is pronounced WIL-erd, with stress on the first syllable.

Is Willard a boy or girl name?

Willard is a boy's name.

How popular is Willard?

Willard was popular in the United States from the late 1800s through the 1940s. It is now rare but appreciated as a distinguished vintage choice.