Updated November 2023
Single page list
English nature name
"willow tree"
An ancient tree that figures in literature from Shakespeare to Harry Potter and is believed to possess magical powers, Willow is a lovely name, as graceful as its inspiration. Willow's use as a given…
Chinese
"graceful willow"
Could be confused with the much less captivating Leanne.
English tree name
Fresh and surprising on a boy – and how can you not love the cool classic nickname Will?
Surname and nature name
"willow tree or shoot"
A handsome nature name – and an intriguing alternative to Willow – that is also found as a rare English surname.
English
"willow ford"
As a whole Wilford still carries a dowdy, dated image, but each component of the name—Will and Ford—are stylish in their own right. Wilford will be a part of the next generation of grandpa revival…
"from the willow farm"
British last name that, though rather gentle, feels like a sharper, sleeker Shelby. Todd Selby, known primarily by his last name, is a hip photographer of interiors.
American invented name
"willow tree + valley"
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…
Hebrew
"willow"
Unknown but eminently usable choice, especially for Jewish parents, with lovely meaning.
Selby, a rarely heard British surname, feels sleeker and more distinctive than Shelby. Todd Selby, known primarily by his last name, is a hip photographer of interiors.
French surname
"from willow"
Dozier means a person who lives near the willows or reeds. It may be an occupational name referring to a basket maker.
Swedish from Norse
Vide derives from the Old Norse word víðir , referring to the willow tree, which gives the name a peacefully and willowy quality.
Ukrainian
A Ukrainian nature name with a history of use in the US among the Amish community.
Commonly associated with Chinese supermodel Liu Wen.