Willa is a unique and distinctive name of English origin, derived from the German name Wilhelmina or the Germanic elements 'will' meaning "resolute power" or "strong-willed", and 'helm' meaning "helmet" or "protection". The name has gained popularity in recent years due to its unisex nature and its strong, yet approachable sound.
The earliest recorded use of Willa as a given name can be traced back to the 19th century. However, it is worth noting that it was more commonly used as a diminutive form of Wilhelmina or other Germanic names containing the element 'will'. In the early 20th century, Willa Cather, an American novelist and short story writer, helped popularize the name through her successful literary career.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Willa. Apart from Willa Cather, there is also Willa Brown, an African-American aviator who earned her pilot's license in 1937 and became one of the first black women to fly planes commercially. Additionally, Willa Dean Miller was a pioneering American female journalist who worked for several major newspapers during the mid-20th century.
In terms of its usage as a given name, Willa has experienced varying levels of popularity over time. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it reached its peak popularity during the 1920s and early 1930s, with nearly 500 babies named Willa each year between 1920 and 1934. After a significant decline in usage throughout the mid-20th century, Willa began to regain popularity in recent decades, reaching its highest point since the 1930s in 2018 when it was given to more than 500 baby girls.
Overall, Willa is an attractive and unusual name with a strong historical background. Its Germanic roots contribute to its powerful and distinctive sound, while its association with notable individuals throughout history lends it an air of elegance and sophistication.
Here are some interesting statistics regarding the name Willa in the United States:
From 1880 to 1963, there were only a handful of babies named Willa each year, with numbers ranging from 12 to 98. However, starting from 1964, the popularity of the name began to decline significantly, dropping to as low as 74 births in 1967.
Interestingly, after reaching its lowest point in 1968 with only 41 births, the popularity of Willa started to rise again. In 1969, there were 44 babies named Willa, and this upward trend continued throughout the 1970s, peaking at 34 births in 1979.
After a brief decline in the early 1980s, the name Willa saw another resurgence in popularity. From 1993 onwards, there were consistently more than 20 babies named Willa each year. The highest number of births during this period was recorded in 2018 and 2019, with 811 and 889 births respectively.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there have been over 31,000 babies named Willa in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name has fluctuated over time, it remains a enduring choice for parents across several generations.