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Willow
Pronounced WIL-oh /ˈwɪloʊ/High
Meaning: Willow tree; from Old English weligHigh
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Willow comes from the Old English welig, referring to the willow tree. The willow has long held symbolic importance in many cultures — in Chinese tradition it represents immortality and grace; in Western folklore it is associated with grief, poetry, and flexibility. The tree's slender, drooping branches gave rise to metaphors of elegance and adaptability.
As a given name, Willow is largely a modern creation, rising with the 20th-century trend for nature names. It crept into use in the mid-20th century, gained momentum through pop culture references (the character Willow in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 1997), and surged into the top 50 U.S. girls' names in the 2010s.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Willow Smith (2000–)American singer, actress, and daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Willow mean?
Willow is an Old English name referring to the willow tree, symbolizing grace, flexibility, and resilience.
How do you pronounce Willow?
It's said WIL-oh /ˈwɪloʊ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Willow a boy or girl name?
Willow is used almost exclusively as a girls' name in the U.S.
How popular is Willow?
Willow has ranked in the U.S. top 50 girls' names since the mid-2010s and continues to rise.