Names That Mean Will

Intriguing alternative to Jedediah.

Croatian short form of Josip (Joseph) properly spelled Joško. This would make a fun alternative nickname for Joseph or even Joshua outside Croatia, too.

Little-used name borne by several biblical figures including a king. It would make an unexpected way to get the nickname Eli - or Kim.

Cornish form of William

This strong and commanding Russian name is pronounced ah-KEEM.

Unusual Italian name for boys that relates both to the vividly stylish Viv names such as Vivienne and Viveca, and to the Italian musician Vivaldi.

Esmael is an uncommon name with deep cultural roots.

Quirky form of Ishmael found in Nordic countries.

This classic, handsome Arabic name — cognate of the Hebrew Ishmael — was chosen by Tan and Rob France for their son born in 2021. Ismail is the preferred spelling in England, Germany, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Turkey, while Ismael ranks higher in countries with native Spanish speakers, including the US.

This spelling pares Will down to the bare minimum — and why not? It is also a Welsh diminutive of William / Wiliam / Gwilym.

Unfortunately, everyone will just hear Jared.

Itta is a cute old-fashioned name that arose parallelly as a nickname for Yehudit, used among Ashkenazi Jews, and a variation of Ita, an Irish name.

Activist and Māori elder Dame Whina (pronounced FEE-nah) Cooper was born Hōhepine (Josephine), but Whina may also derive from the Māori name Āwhina, meaning "help, support".

Made most familiar in English-speaking countries by prize-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chimamanda has a wonderful meaning and can be shortened to Chima or the spunky Chi. In 2022, it entered the UK Top 100 for the first time, when 38 baby girls were given the name.

Coined by Shakespeare for the main antagonist in his comedy Twelfth Night, the unfortunate Malvolio’s name literally means "ill will".

Vilgot may seem like an ancient Germanic name, but it's only been around since the end of the 19th century. It's most famous bearer is the late Vilgot Sjöman, a famed Swedish film director and writer.

The Social Security Lists show Willodean and all its variant spellings to have been used throughout the 1920s and 30s especially in Southern states. There are a few theories on its origins (an invented name created to honor William/Willard and a a female name ending in "-dine", or it may be an Anglicization of a Native American name). Either way, it has a willowy sweetness that deserves a comeback.

This is the name of several people in the Old Testament, including one of King David's lute players. Also spelled Yechiel or Jehiel.

Most modern parents outside Israel would prefer Aaron.