Willard

Meaning of Willard

Willard is an English masculine given name of Old English provenance, deriving from the elements wil (“will, desire”) and heard (“hardy, brave”), thereby conveying resolute determination. It achieved its greatest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century—reaching a peak rank of 57 in 1915—before undergoing a gradual decline through the mid-century and arriving at rank 883 in 2024 with 41 recorded instances. The name’s phonetic composition (/ˈwɪl.ərd/) and three-syllable cadence impart a measured robustness, while the diminutive Will provides a modern shorthand. Associations with Nobel-winning chemist Willard Libby and television personality Willard Scott reinforce its reputation for intellectual rigor paired with accessible authority. In today’s naming landscape, Willard registers as a deliberate, heritage-rich choice that balances historical weight with understated resolve.