Origin and Meaning of Willard

Brave; strong-willed

Origin: English - Derived from the Old English name 'Willard', which combines the elements 'wil' meaning 'desire' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong'.

• Willard was popularized in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often seen as a strong, rugged name.
• The name is linked to several notable figures in American history, including Willard Van Orman Quine, a significant philosopher and logician.
• Willard is also associated with the Willard Hotel in Washington D.C., a historic establishment frequented by many famous personalities and events.
• The name saw a decline in popularity after the 1950s, but it maintained a small presence in various regions of the United States.
• Variations of the name include Will, Willy, and the feminine form Wilhelmina.