Willa
Fact sheet
- Name
- Willa
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
Willa is a female first name that appears in both German and English as a short form of names with the element 'Wil-', particularly from Wilhelma or Wilhelmina. The name is interpreted as 'the strong-willed' as well as 'the determined.'
What does the name Willa mean?
The name Willa is a short form used in both German and English, derived from names that begin with 'Wil-', such as Wilhelma or Wilhelmina. It means 'the strong-willed' and 'the determined.' The origins of the name trace back to Old High German, where it is derived from the element willio, meaning 'the will,' 'the determination,' and 'the desire.' Other variants include Wilka, Wilja, Wilba, and Wileen.
Where does the name Willa come from?
The first name Willa has its roots in Old High German and means 'the strong-willed.' The Old High German word willio consists of the meanings 'the will,' 'the determination,' and 'the desire.' The languages in which this name appears are German and English.
How do you pronounce Willa?
The pronunciation of Willa is two syllables and clear. In German, it is usually pronounced as 'WIL-la' [ˈvɪla], with the beginning starting with a short I sound that gives the name a fresh touch. The double 'l' creates a gentle density in the middle of the name, while the ending '-a' sounds soft and friendly. This gives Willa a simple, modern impression – clear, harmonious, and with a calm aura.
When is the name day of Willa?
The name day for Willa is celebrated on several dates: January 6, April 6, May 21, May 28, July 2, and September 19.
Popularity
In Germany, the name Willa enjoys great popularity. Currently, it ranks 2,107th on the list of the most common female first names. The best ranking was achieved in 2018 with 1,790th place. In the last ten years, Willa has been given as a first name about 90 times, placing it 2,644th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 3,301st.
Nicknames & pet names
Will
Famous people
- Willa Baum (historian from America)
- Willa Cather (American author and Pulitzer Prize winner)
- Willa Fitzgerald (actress)
- Willa Ford (American musician and actress)
- Willa Holland (actress (Caitlin Cooper from OC California))
- Willa Muir (English author)
- Willa Oneill (New Zealand actress)
- Willa Shalit (American artist)
Frequently asked questions about the name Willa
What is the origin of the name Willa?
The first name Willa comes from Old High German and means 'the strong-willed.'
What does the name Willa mean?
Willa means 'the strong-willed' and is derived from Old High German elements that stand for 'will,' 'determination,' and 'desire.'
How popular is the name Willa?
Willa has gained popularity in recent years, especially in English-speaking countries, where it is considered a fashionable and timeless name.