Meaning & Origin
A surname originating as a patronymic.
Willard is a boy's and girl's baby name of Germanic origin, from a surname derived from the Old High German willhard, meaning 'resolute' or 'brave will.' It entered given name use in the 19th century United States, popular particularly in New England.
Willard peaked in popularity in the early-to-mid 20th century. It carries a distinguished, old-fashioned solidity — the kind of name that belonged to town aldermen and university presidents, and is now ripe for rediscovery by parents seeking truly uncommon vintage names.