Willow

Updated: October 17, 2023 by MomsWhoThink Staff

Willow may be the hottest nature name on the charts right now. Since the 1990s, it's transcended from a rarely-used flower child moniker to one of the top 50 names for girls in the United States. Willow was inspired by the tree of the same name, which is legendary for its healing powers. The symbolic tree has made its way into countless works of literature, ranging from Shakespeare's “Hamlet” to the “Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame.

Meaning of the Name Willow

In Old English, the word “welig” was used to describe the willow tree. Eventually, as the modern version of the language developed, the word became willow. It was initially used to describe someone who came from the willow grove or land where willows grew. By the 1800s, baby names from nature became popular with new parents.

The willow tree is known for its grace when its limbs blow in the wind, and it is thought to have magical powers. It's also thought to be a symbol of everlasting life in some cultures.

Nicknames for Willow

Like many nature names, Willow evokes the image of a girl who is creative and artsy, yet graceful and elegant at the same time. If you're looking for a nickname for the Willow in your life, we've created a fun list of possible options to help get you inspired.

Will
Willa
Lo
Lolo
Wills
Laury
Willy
Winnie
Illy

Willow Name Details

Style: Modern

Gender: Willow is traditionally considered to be a girls name.

Pronunciation: WIHL-oh

Syllables: Two

Alternative Spelling for Willow

Wilow
Wyllow
Wylow

Willow Name Popularity

According to the Social Security Administration, Willow first made the list of the top 1,000 baby names in 1998, coming in at number 854. As of 2020, it came in at number 48 on the list, making it one of the top 50 baby names in the United States.