Leslie vs Willa

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Leslie

Girl #604 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"grey fortress, grey enclosure"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Cultural Roots

Scottish American English Canadian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#604
Total SSA Count
495
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Les, Lee

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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Willa

Girl #423 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"resolute protector"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English German American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#423
Total SSA Count
729
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Will, Willi

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Willa →

Popularity Comparison

Leslie Rank #604
Willa Rank #423

Willa is more popular, ranked #423 vs #604 for Leslie.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Leslie ___

  • Leslie Ann
  • Leslie Marie
  • Leslie Jane
  • Leslie Grace
  • Leslie Claire
  • Leslie Hope

Willa ___

  • Willa Grace
  • Willa Rose
  • Willa Jane
  • Willa Mae
  • Willa Claire
  • Willa Kate

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Leslie

Valerie Brenda Shirley Gary Douglas

If you choose Willa

Hazel June Cecily Theodore Edmund

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leslie or Willa more popular?

Willa is more popular, ranked #423 compared to Leslie at #604 in the United States.

What do Leslie and Willa mean?

Leslie means "grey fortress, grey enclosure" (Scottish Gaelic origin). Willa means "resolute protector" (Germanic origin).

Are Leslie and Willa boy or girl names?

Leslie is primarily a girl name. Willa is primarily a girl name.

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← Full profile: Leslie ← Full profile: Willa Browse all baby names