Is Willard a boy's or girl's name?

Willard is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 884 recorded births.

When was Willard most popular?

Willard reached its peak popularity in 1915 with 2,889 births that year. It is currently ranked #3034 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Willard?

Willard is currently ranked #3034 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 77,607 babies since 1880.

Willard

An uncommon pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsDeclining Also a pet name

#3034▼ 92in 2024

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.

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Popularity Over Time

Willard was #1952 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #3034, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Willard
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	197	#3147	▼
2010s	440	#2821	▼
2000s	567	#2171	▼
1990s	748	#1403	▼
1980s	1,206	#840	▼
1970s	2,262	#559	▼
1960s	4,289	#380	▼
1950s	7,033	#270	▼
1940s	10,602	#175	▼
1930s	12,459	#133	▼
1920s	18,440	#99	▲
1910s	15,364	#91	▲
1900s	1,821	#121	▲
1890s	1,240	#131	▲
1880s	939	#148	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(145 years, 1880–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Willard
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	41	#3034	-2 (-4.7%)
2023	43	#2942	+2 (4.9%)
2022	41	#3050	+13 (46.4%)
2021	28	#3904	-16 (-36.4%)
2020	44	#2803	-2 (-4.3%)
2019	46	#2761	-4 (-8.0%)
2018	50	#2577	-5 (-9.1%)
2017	55	#2385	+8 (17.0%)
2016	47	#2660	+3 (6.8%)
2015	44	#2761	+9 (25.7%)
2014	35	#3227	+4 (12.9%)
2013	31	#3493	-16 (-34.0%)
2012	47	#2628	+11 (30.6%)
2011	36	#3163	-13 (-26.5%)
2010	49	#2552	+9 (22.5%)
2009	40	#2987	-17 (-29.8%)
2008	57	#2324	+9 (18.8%)
2007	48	#2599	-7 (-12.7%)
2006	55	#2309	-5 (-8.3%)
2005	60	#2080	-3 (-4.8%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Willard as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Willard has also been given to 884 girls in the U.S. since 1898.

Unranked

Current rank

884

Total births

1918

Peak year

Compare Willard as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Willard be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Willard is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #3034. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Willard has two lives

Willard, the baby name

#3034boys

77,607 babies

Currently viewing

Willard, the pet name

#14264pet name

4 pets

View pet page →

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1880–2024) · Methodology