| Meaning | resolute protection, will helmet |
| Origin | English |
| Gender | Boy |
| Popularity | Moderate |
| Length | 6 |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Syllabification | Wil-lis |
About Willis
Derived from Old English roots, the name Willis embodies strength and determination. With a meaning of "resolute protector" or "willful guardian," Willis is a name that carries a sense of steadfastness and watchful care. Its two syllables roll off the tongue with a classic elegance that fits well with both traditional and modern naming trends.
Despite its relatively low frequency in contemporary naming, Willis possesses a timeless charm that can make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name that stands out while retaining a sense of familiarity. The name's variants and similar names, such as William and Wilson, offer additional options for parents to consider.
As a tribute to historical figures like Willis Reed and Willis Haviland Carrier, or as a nod to fictional characters like Willis Jackson, the name Willis connects the past with the present. Whether you're drawn to its meaning or its resonance with notable individuals, Willis is a name with a dignified aura that can make a remarkable choice for a baby boy.
Nicknames for Willis
| Will |
| Willy |
| Lis |
| Bill |
Famous People Named Willis
| Willis Reed | American basketball player |
| Willis Haviland Carrier | American engineer, known for inventing air conditioning |
| Willis Carto | American white supremacist and conspiracy theorist |
| Willis McGahee | American football player |
| Willis Alan Ramsey | American singer-songwriter |
| Willis Conover | American jazz broadcaster |
| Willis Bouchey | American actor |
| Willis Lamb | American physicist and Nobel laureate |
| Willis Eugene Lamb Jr. | American physicist and Nobel laureate |
| Willis H. O'Brien | American special effects pioneer |
| Willis C. Hawley | American politician |
| Willis Smith | American politician |
| Willis Hall | English playwright and radio/television writer |
| Willis Polk | American architect |
| Willis Augustus Lee | American admiral |
| Willis Seaver Adams | American composer and conductor |
| Willis Van Devanter | American Supreme Court Justice |
| Willis H. Stephens | American politician |
Characters Named Willis
| Willis "Gator" Woolens | Character in the TV show "Gimme a Break!" |
| Willis Jackson | Character in the TV show "Diff'rent Strokes" |
| Willis E. Davidge | Character in the movie "Enemy Mine" |
| Willis H. O'Brien | Character in the movie "King Kong" |
| Willis Corto | Character in the book "Neuromancer" by William Gibson |
| Willis Arnold | Character in the movie "The Rookie" |
| Willis Embry | Character in the movie "Eraser" |
| Willis Plouffe | Character in the movie "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz" |
| Willis Todd | Character in the book "The Dark Tower" series by Stephen King |
| Willis Newton | Character in the movie "The Newton Boys" |
| Willis Richland | Character in the movie "The People vs. Larry Flynt" |
| Willis Wayde | Character in the TV show "The Good Fight" |
| Willis Wheeler | Character in the movie "King of California" |
| Willis MacArthur | Character in the movie "Down Periscope" |
| Willis Crane | Character in the movie "I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang" |
| Willis Bell | Character in the movie "The Rainmaker" |
| Willis Earle | Character in the movie "The Great Debaters" |
| Willis Poundstone | Character in the movie "Nightcrawler" |
| Willis Sparks | Character in the movie "The Last Boy Scout" |
| Willis Pule | Character in the book "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss |