Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Willard

Willard is a masculine personal name, the Modern English form of the Olde English Wilheard, ultimately deriving from the Old High German Willihard meaning, quite literally, “heroic, valiant, brave,” composed of the Ancient Germanic elements wil “to be willing, to desire, wish” and hard “hardy, strong, brave” (“heroic” in the sense of one’s willingness to show courage).  
 
This name represents a rare example of an Olde English name of Anglo-Saxon origin to survive the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. As a given name, it first appeared in the famous Domesday Book of 1086 in the Latinized form of “Wielardus.” A couple of centuries later, it emerged as a patronymic English surname (i.e., one passed down from the personal name of the father).  The first written record of the surname appeared in Norfolk, England as “Wilard” in the mid-12th century.

All About the Baby Name – Willard

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME WILLARD

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME WILLARD

Willard joins the ranks of very few Olde English names still in circulation today after more than 1500 years (Alfred and Edward being other notable examples). Wilkin and Wilkie were common pet forms used in the Middle Ages. In terms of U.S. popularity, Willard saw most of his success at the turn of the 20th century, especially in 1915 when the name ranked a remarkable #58 in total use.  However, Old Willard has not made the trip with us into the 21st century (only 44 baby boys born in 2015 were called Willard). Still, this sweetly old-fashioned name is one reserved only for the heroic.

Quick Facts

ON WILLARD

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

WIL-әrd

SIMPLE MEANING:

Heroic, Valiant, Brave

Characteristics

OF WILLARD

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Willard

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME WILLARD

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME WILLARD

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Willard


Popular Songs

ON WILLARD

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Willard


Famous People

NAMED WILLARD

We cannot find any famous people with the first name Willard.

Children of Famous People

NAMED WILLARD

Will Smith;

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME WILLARD

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Willard