W Names I Love
- Walker
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"cloth-walker"Description:
Walker is both a Waspy surname name—as in the W in George W. Bush—but it also has a gentle ambling quality and a creative connection to such greats as writer Walker Percy and photographer Walker Evans, whose father was also named Walker.
- Walker
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"cloth walker"Description:
Walker is an outdoorsy, Old Western-style name that leapt into the US Top 100 for boys back in 2022. Now, like a number of occupational names before it (think Sawyer, Palmer, and Parker), Walker is being used for an increasing number of girls.
- Wallace
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"foreigner, stranger"Description:
Wallace is so square could almost be ripe for a turnaround, especially with the hipness imparted by the British Claymation series Wallace & Gromit. And Wally makes an adorable Leave it to Beaver retro-style nickname.
- Walsh
Description:
Walsh originated as an Irish and English surname derived from the Old English word 'wælisc,' meaning 'foreigner' or specifically 'Welshman.' It historically identified people of Welsh or Celtic Briton descent living in Anglo-Norman areas. As a given name, Walsh represents the modern trend of adopting surnames as first names, appealing to parents seeking distinctive options with historical connections. The name carries associations with Celtic heritage and conveys a sense of strength and tradition. Though relatively uncommon as a first name, it has gained some traction in recent decades, particularly in families with Irish ancestry who appreciate its cultural significance and simple, strong phonetic quality.
- Walt
Origin:
German, diminutive of WalterDescription:
A straightforward, down-to-earth nickname many Walters, from Whitman to Disney, have chosen to go by.
- Ward
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"guard, watchman"Description:
Until recently Ward was, like Wally, a Cleaver name, but today's parents are seeing it as a cooler nickname for Edward than Eddie, and are also beginning to use it on its own.
- Warren
Origin:
English from FrenchMeaning:
"park-keeper"Description:
Long lingering in limbo, Warren suddenly seems to be on the cusp of revival. One of the oldest recorded English surnames, Warren's popularity in the U.S. dates back to the nineteenth century, and by 1921, reached its peak at Number 24.
- Watkins
Description:
Watkins originated as an English and Welsh surname derived from the medieval given name 'Wat' or 'Watt,' a diminutive of Walter, combined with the suffix '-kins' meaning 'little son of.' As a given name, Watkins represents the growing trend of using traditional surnames as first names, appealing to parents seeking distinctive options with historical roots. The name Walter, from which it ultimately derives, means 'ruler of the army' from Germanic elements. Watkins has a distinguished, somewhat aristocratic sound that evokes images of British heritage. While uncommon as a first name, it offers the friendly nicknames Wat or Kins. The name carries a sophisticated quality while maintaining connection to Anglo-Welsh traditions.
- Waverly
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"meadow of quivering aspens"Description:
Waverly, with its literary resonance and lilting three-syllable sound, could well become the next generation's successor to Kimberly. Its upper-crusty surname feel places it among the new stylish English names for girls, successors to Ashley and Whitney.
- Wednesday
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"Woden's day"Description:
Made famous by the iconic and macabre character Wednesday Addams, this name has the spooky and Halloween-inspired feel that some parents might be looking for. The character has appeared in various adaptations of The Addams Family over the years, but the 2022 television series starring Jenna Ortega has given the name an unexpected boost in popularity.
- Wendy
Origin:
English, Celtic, WelshMeaning:
"friend or white"Description:
It is popularly claimed that the name Wendy was invented by Sir James Barrie in 1904 for the big sister character in his play Peter Pan, which was followed by the classic novel in 1911. Barrie supposedly took it from the nickname "fwendy-wendy", that he was called by a young girl acquaintance.
- Whittaker
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"white field"Description:
If you discount the connection to the controversial Whittaker Chambers in the days of the Red Scare, Whittaker is a pleasant enough British surname with the preppyish nickname Whit.
- Wilhelmina
Origin:
German and Dutch, feminine variation of WilhelmMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
Wilhelmina might once have been condemned as a clunky relic best left in the past, but a steadily increasing number of parents are dusting it off for their 21st century babies. A reasonably popular choice in the 19th century, but out of favor by the 1950s, in the last decade, the number of babies called Wilhelmina has doubled, with 140 girls receiving the name in 2023.
- William
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
William is one of the most enduring of classic names for boys. It's also among the most popular boys' names, as American parents see it as being ideally conservative yet contemporary, and hands-down the most popular baby name beginning with W of all time.
- Willoughby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"farm near the willows"Description:
Willoughby is an energetic last-name-first route to the popular short form Will, livelier than any of the two-syllable options. It could be picked up by parents attracted to the Willow sound for girls.
- Wilson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Will"Description:
Wilson is a substantive presidential choice far less prevalent than Taylor or Tyler, and with the advantage of being a new route to friendly nickname Will. We see Wilson growing in popularity as an alternative to William; and as a patronymic, it would make a conceivable (if possibly confusing) choice for a son of William.
- Winn
Description:
Winn is a concise feminine name with multiple origin possibilities. It can be a shortened form of Winifred, a Welsh name meaning "blessed peace," or Edwina, meaning "wealthy friend." It also stands independently as an English surname-turned-first-name derived from Old English, meaning "friend" or "joy." As a feminine given name, Winn has a modern, minimalist appeal while maintaining a touch of vintage charm. Its brevity aligns with the trend toward short, strong names for girls. Although uncommon as a standalone first name, Winn benefits from straightforward pronunciation and spelling. The name carries positive associations with winning and success while also conveying warmth through its meaning of "friend." Parents might choose Winn for its simplicity, gentle strength, and subtle unisex quality that remains traditionally feminine in origin.
- Winnie
Origin:
English diminutive of WinifredMeaning:
"holy peacemaking, gentle friend"Description:
This pet form of such names as Winifred and Edwina and Gwendolyn has loads of vintage charm, a la Millie and Maisie, with a decidedly winning vibe. And it just got celebrity cred as the baby daughter of Jimmy Fallon.
- Wolf
Origin:
Animal name or diminutive of Wolfgang, GermanMeaning:
" traveling wolf"Description:
Wolf is a name with a split personality. It can be seen as one of the fierce animal names, like Fox and Bear and Puma, with a touch of the werewolf, or it can be viewed as a quieter, Wolf Blitzer kind of name, fairly common in German (where is pronounced Vulf) and Jewish families, sometimes as a short form of Wolfgang, or even Wolfram or Wolfhart.
- Wyn
Description:
Wyn is a feminine name with Welsh origins, though it can also be used for males in its original context. Derived from the Welsh word "gwyn" meaning "fair," "blessed," or "white," Wyn embodies brightness and purity. As a standalone name, it carries a simple elegance with its concise, single-syllable format. In Welsh naming traditions, it often appears as a component in compound names or as a nickname. Despite its ancient roots, Wyn maintains a contemporary feel with its short, crisp sound. The name remains uncommon in English-speaking countries outside of Wales, giving it a distinctive quality. Its minimalist charm appeals to parents seeking something brief yet meaningful with authentic Celtic heritage.
- Walis
- Watson