Boy
Willard
brave, resolute
About Willard
This distinguished name embodies old-fashioned virtue and unexpected contemporary appeal. Willard carries a vintage charm that's experiencing renewed appreciation among parents seeking names with character and history. The name suggests reliability, intelligence, and quiet determination—qualities that never go out of style. Its literary and historical associations add layers of meaning without being overwhelming or pretentious. Willard works particularly well for families who appreciate classic American naming traditions with room for distinctive personality. The name's two-syllable structure provides substance while remaining straightforward and pronounceable. Parents choosing Willard often value names that aren't subject to fleeting trends, preferring timeless selections with proven staying power. The name offers natural nickname possibilities while standing strong on its own. Willard evokes images of integrity and competence, suggesting someone trustworthy and capable in any undertaking. It's a choice for parents confident enough to embrace something genuinely different from current playground trends.
Popularity of the Name Willard
Rank among the 1,000 most popular baby names, by year.
| United States | Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| 1880 | #158 | |
| 1881 | #130 | |
| 1882 | #164 | |
| 1883 | #139 | |
| 1884 | #156 | |
| 1885 | #144 | |
| 1886 | #174 | |
| 1887 | #137 | |
| 1888 | #128 | |
| 1889 | #149 | |
| 1890 | #160 | |
| 1891 | #135 | |
| 1892 | #132 | |
| 1893 | #129 | |
| 1894 | #134 | |
| 1895 | #138 | |
| 1896 | #118 | |
| 1897 | #118 | |
| 1898 | #134 | |
| 1899 | #116 | |
| 1900 | #132 | |
| 1901 | #122 | |
| 1902 | #118 | |
| 1903 | #123 | |
| 1904 | #116 | |
| 1905 | #119 | |
| 1906 | #120 | |
| 1907 | #118 | |
| 1908 | #112 | |
| 1909 | #125 | |
| 1910 | #121 | |
| 1911 | #114 | |
| 1912 | #105 | |
| 1913 | #99 | |
| 1914 | #92 | |
| 1915 | #58 | |
| 1916 | #69 | |
| 1917 | #80 | |
| 1918 | #83 | |
| 1919 | #87 | |
| 1920 | #88 | |
| 1921 | #89 | |
| 1922 | #91 | |
| 1923 | #92 | |
| 1924 | #97 | |
| 1925 | #97 | |
| 1926 | #100 | |
| 1927 | #106 | |
| 1928 | #113 | |
| 1929 | #114 | |
| 1930 | #117 | |
| 1931 | #124 | |
| 1932 | #125 | |
| 1933 | #130 | |
| 1934 | #136 | |
| 1935 | #132 | |
| 1936 | #136 | |
| 1937 | #135 | |
| 1938 | #148 | |
| 1939 | #147 | |
| 1940 | #151 | |
| 1941 | #159 | |
| 1942 | #159 | |
| 1943 | #159 | |
| 1944 | #166 | |
| 1945 | #172 | |
| 1946 | #177 | |
| 1947 | #198 | |
| 1948 | #204 | |
| 1949 | #209 | |
| 1950 | #219 | |
| 1951 | #243 | |
| 1952 | #236 | |
| 1953 | #247 | |
| 1954 | #270 | |
| 1955 | #257 | |
| 1956 | #287 | |
| 1957 | #301 | |
| 1958 | #314 | |
| 1959 | #325 | |
| 1960 | #333 | |
| 1961 | #353 | |
| 1962 | #377 | |
| 1963 | #351 | |
| 1964 | #378 | |
| 1965 | #381 | |
| 1966 | #388 | |
| 1967 | #380 | |
| 1968 | #417 | |
| 1969 | #445 | |
| 1970 | #435 | |
| 1971 | #468 | |
| 1972 | #466 | |
| 1973 | #532 | |
| 1974 | #571 | |
| 1975 | #531 | |
| 1976 | #616 | |
| 1977 | #647 | |
| 1978 | #672 | |
| 1979 | #656 | |
| 1980 | #679 | |
| 1981 | #749 | |
| 1982 | #776 | |
| 1983 | #771 | |
| 1984 | #870 | |
| 1985 | #888 | |
| 1986 | #866 | |
| 1987 | #864 | |
| 1988 | #979 | |
| 1989 | #958 | |
| 1991 | #934 |
Top names by country: United States · Canada
Variations of Name Willard
- Williard
- Wilard
- Willerd
- Willart
- Willert
- Welard
- Welerd
- Wilyerd
- Wilerd
- Wyllard
- Wyllerd
Names Similar to Willard
Nicknames for Willard
- Will
- Bill
- Willy
- Ard
Famous People Named Willard
| Willard Scott | American weatherman and television personality |
| Willard Boyle | Canadian physicist and Nobel laureate |
| Willard Wigan | British micro-sculptor |
| Willard Van Orman Quine | American philosopher and logician |
| Willard Libby | American chemist and Nobel laureate |
| Willard White | Jamaican-born British operatic bass |
| Willard Sterling Boyle | Canadian physicist and Nobel laureate |
| Willard Hershberger | American baseball player |
| Willard Motley | American author and playwright |
| Willard Gibbs | American scientist and mathematical physicist |
| Willard Huntington Wright | American author and editor |
| Willard Maas | American experimental filmmaker |
| Willard R. Espy | American wordplay expert and author |
| Willard Price | Canadian-American author of adventure books for young readers |
| Willard A. Palmer | American music educator and author |
| Willard Robertson | American actor and playwright |
| Willard E. Misfeldt | American computer scientist and mathematician |
| Willard Katsande | Zimbabwean professional footballer |
| Willard Straight | American journalist and diplomat |
| Willard Munger | American politician and environmentalist |
Characters Named Willard
| Willard Hewitt | Footloose |
| Willard Kraft | The Simpsons |
| Willard Stiles | Willard |
| Willard Filmore Decker | Ace Ventura - When Nature Calls |
| Willard Huyck | American Graffiti |
| Willard Bean | The Work and the Glory |
| Willard Smithers | The Simpsons |
| Willard Whyte | Diamonds Are Forever |
| Willard "Will" Smith | The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air |
| Willard "Willy" Loman | Death of a Salesman |
| Willard Evers | Ghostbusters II |
| Willard Craft | The Craft |
| Willard Young | Madea's Family Reunion |
| Willard "Willy" Wonka | Charlie and the Chocolate Factory |
| Willard the Rat | Ratatouille |
| Willard F. Harley | The Mask |
| Willard the Wizard | The Fairly OddParents |
| Willard Latimer | Family Plot |