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Willard Boy

Popularity: #883 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationWIL-ard / /ˈwɪl.ərd/

English; Old German

Meaning

English: resolute protector; Old German: will, desire

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Willard has its roots in Old English, derived from the elements "wil," meaning "will" or "desire," and "hard," meaning "brave" or "strong." This combination suggests a meaning akin to "resolute protector" or "strong-willed." The name evolved through various forms, with its earliest occurrences appearing in medieval England. It was recorded in the 12th century as "Willehard," which later transformed into the more recognizable Willard by the 17th century. The transition into modern English reflects both the phonetic shifts and the simplification of names that occurred during this period.

Historically, the name Willard is associated with notable figures, particularly in American history. One prominent example is Willard Van Orman Quine, a 20th-century philosopher whose contributions to logic and philosophy have had a lasting impact. Additionally, the name appears in various historical documents and records, including those from the colonial period in America, where it was borne by several early settlers and landowners. The name's presence in early American history contributes to its significance in the cultural narrative of the United States.

Culturally, Willard has been embraced in various contexts, often symbolizing strength and determination. The name has been used in literature and popular culture, reinforcing its association with resilient characters. Furthermore, diminutive forms such as Will or Willie have emerged, providing a more familiar and affectionate alternative while maintaining the original's essence. Overall, the name Willard carries a rich historical and cultural legacy, reflecting its Old English origins and the enduring qualities it represents.

Trend Summary

Willard has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Will
  • Willy

International Variants

  • Guillermo (Spanish)
  • Wilhelm (German)

Famous people named Willard

Willard Scott is a television personality best known for The Today Show and as the original Ronald McDonald.

Willard Van Orman Quine is a philosopher and logician best known for Word and Object and his work on the indeterminacy of translation.

Fictional characters named Willard

Willard Stiles is a fictional character from the film Willard. He is a troubled young man who befriends and trains a group of rats to exact revenge on those who have wronged him.

Willard is a fictional character from the novel and film adaptation of Willard. He is a socially awkward man who develops a bond with rats, leading to dark consequences in his life.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Willard was first seen in the United States in 1880. Willard has ranked as high as #133 nationally, which occurred in 1915, and has been most popular in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Willard has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Willard (2024)

StateBirthsShare
IA 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188088
188194
188283
188392
188489
188595
188680
188795
1888123
1889100
189089
1891101
1892121
1893118
1894122
1895113
1896152
1897143
1898137
1899144
1900172
1901136
1902164
1903162
1904180
1905180
1906178
1907201
1908229
1909219
1910265
1911338
1912718
1913926
19141,302
19152,889
19162,413
19172,188
19182,311
19192,014
19202,089
19212,077
19222,017
19231,945
19241,834
19251,795
19261,810
19271,734
19281,628
19291,511
19301,537
19311,376
19321,357
19331,283
19341,174
19351,214
19361,157
19371,163
19381,095
19391,103
19401,140
19411,085
19421,191
19431,231
19441,039
1945957
19461,057
19471,025
1948950
1949927
1950841
1951778
1952799
1953767
1954676
1955723
1956654
1957636
1958586
1959573
1960542
1961506
1962460
1963497
1964438
1965413
1966389
1967394
1968339
1969311
1970350
1971306
1972284
1973220
1974198
1975229
1976177
1977172
1978155
1979171
1980164
1981136
1982130
1983128
1984103
1985105
1986111
1987117
198899
1989113
199091
199181
199289
199376
199472
199583
199667
199766
199864
199959
200060
200161
200264
200359
200463
200560
200655
200748
200857
200940
201049
201136
201247
201331
201435
201544
201647
201755
201850
201946
202044
202128
202241
202343
202441