Willard
Willard Origin and Meaning
Willard as a feminine name is quite uncommon, as it is traditionally a masculine name of Germanic origin. It derives from the Old German elements 'wil' meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong,' thus translating to 'brave resolver' or 'strong-willed.' While primarily used for boys since medieval times, some traditionally male names have crossed gender boundaries in modern naming practices. As a female name, Willard offers a bold, distinctive choice that breaks convention. The masculine Willard peaked in popularity in the early 20th century in the United States but has since declined. For girls, it remains extremely rare, potentially chosen for family connections or for parents seeking a strong, unconventional name for their daughter.