Willow Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Willow originates from Old English, meaning a graceful and slender tree. It has evolved through various forms in the English language and has gained popularity in recent decades, reflecting a trend towards nature-inspired names. While it does not have biblical relevance, it is seen positively in contemporary culture, often linked to traits of flexibility and grace.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Willow"
Pronunciation
/ˈwɪloʊ/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Willow is derived from the Old English word 'welig', which refers to the willow tree, known for its slender branches and ability to thrive in wet conditions.
Meaning
graceful, slender tree
Language Evolution
Old English: welig, Middle English: welye, Modern English: willow
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the late 20th century and became more widely used after the rise of nature-inspired names.
Variants & Derivatives
Willa, Will, Willy
Modern Popularity & Image
Willow is perceived as a modern and nature-inspired name, often associated with flexibility and grace.
Famous People
Willow Smith, American singer and actress, Willow Bay, American journalist and author
📊 Willow Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Willow Name Visualizations
✨ Willow Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 5,229 peak births in 2021
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Willow" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Willow". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Willow" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Willow"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Willow"
"Willow" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7162nd of 7545 | 6 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 10718th of 10718 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 11936th of 16616 | 19 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 8895th of 24088 | 106 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 4085th of 23106 | 306 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1897th of 9107 | 347 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1833rd of 9204 | 365 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3023rd of 12526 | 284 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2138th of 19264 | 629 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2396th of 27321 | 773 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 432nd of 35406 | 11,286 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 60th of 30306 | 46,596 |
Regional Popularity of "Willow" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
74.46% 5080th/6822 |
63.67% 3996th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Willow" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
65.51% 1550th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
62.90% 1480th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
100.00% 2853rd/2853 |
88.07% 2444th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
100.00% 2937th/2937 |
100.00% 3483rd/3483 |
- |
32.76% 1325th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
72.86% 2685th/3685 |
62.55% 2799th/4475 |
66.79% 3469th/5194 |
31.31% 1978th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
7.55% 346th/4582 |
8.08% 417th/5164 |
6.54% 478th/7313 |
6.53% 487th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
1.08% 43rd/3984 |
1.83% 82nd/4487 |
0.91% 62nd/6822 |
1.39% 87th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Willow"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Willow" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Willow" in the United States
The name Willow is most popular in Alaska, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been consistently rising. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Willow has been too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. Across generations, 'Willow' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7162nd out of 7545 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10718th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11936th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8895th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4085th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1897th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1833rd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3023rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2138th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2396th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 432nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 60th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Willow' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.