Willella is a unique and distinctive name of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word "vilja", which means "will" or "desire". The name Willella was likely created as a feminine form of the male name Willelmus, which itself comes from the German name Willehalm.
The history of the name Willella is not extensively documented, as it is not one of the most commonly used names throughout history. However, there are a few notable individuals with this name who have contributed to its presence in historical records.
One such individual was Willella de Montbaston, a 13th-century English noblewoman who served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Eleanor of Castile, the wife of King Edward I. Willella was known for her loyalty and service to the queen, and she accompanied Eleanor on her travels throughout England and France.
Another notable figure with the name Willella was Willella Van Norman, an American suffragist and women's rights activist who played a significant role in the fight for women's suffrage in the late 19th century. Willella was born into a prominent family in upstate New York and became involved in the women's movement at a young age. She worked tirelessly to secure the right to vote for women, and her efforts helped pave the way for the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.
Today, Willella remains a relatively uncommon name, but its Scandinavian origins and historic associations give it a unique and intriguing character. Parents looking for a distinctive name with a rich history may find Willella to be an appealing choice.
The name Willella has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, as indicated by the statistics provided. Between the years 1900 and 1932, there were a total of 70 births registered with the name Willella.
Throughout this period, the popularity of the name varied from year to year. The earliest recorded birth was in 1900, with a single occurrence. The name then saw a brief spike in usage during the late teens and early twenties, with five or more births each year between 1915 and 1924.
Interestingly, the highest number of Willella births occurred in consecutive years – first in 1927 with eight births, followed by five births in 1929. This suggests that there may have been a particular influence or trend at play during this time that led to an increase in parents choosing this name for their daughters.
Despite these periods of relative popularity, Willella was never a particularly common name. Throughout the entire 33-year span, it averaged fewer than three births per year. This rarity could be seen as part of its charm and uniqueness.
In conclusion, while Willella may not have been one of the most popular names in the United States during this period, its usage over time reveals a compelling story of fluctuation and distinction. Each birth represents a family's decision to give their child a name that was not only beautiful but also uncommonly chosen.