Pronunciation: [ w-IHL-oh ]
Graceful as a tree that bends but never breaks
"From Old English 'welig', the willow tree; a nature name associated with flowing water and healing"
"willow tree"
"freedom, grace"
Willow is derived from the Old English 'welig', the name of the weeping willow tree. Willows have been symbolically significant across many cultures — associated with water, moon magic, grief, and healing in Celtic tradition, and with immortality and new life in Chinese culture. As a given name, Willow emerged in the 20th century as part of the nature name movement.
Willow's rise accelerated in the 2000s, boosted by the beloved witch character Willow Rosenberg in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith naming their daughter Willow in 2000. The name entered the US top 100 around 2014 and has continued climbing.
In Celtic tradition, the willow tree was sacred to the goddess Hecate and associated with the moon and water. In Chinese culture, willow branches are used to sweep away evil spirits. The weeping willow has become a universal symbol of grief and remembrance.
Musician
2000
American singer-songwriter and daughter of Will Smith, known for 'Whip My Hair' and her album 'lately I feel EVERYTHING'
Other
Beloved witch character in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, played by Alyson Hannigan, known for LGBTQ+ storylines
Willow is also used as a boy name, ranked #3688.
View Willow as a boy name →Start a tournament bracket with Willow and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentCheck how Willow sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameCreate names for D&D and RPG characters
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
Names for fictional characters across genres
Willow is a girl name with English, American, and Australian origins . The name means "From Old English 'welig', the willow tree; a nature name associated with flowing water and healing" in English .
Is Willow a boy or girl name? Willow is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #41 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #3,688. Willow is more commonly used as a girl name.
Willow is currently ranked #41 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Willow has 2 syllables and is pronounced w-IHL-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Willow include Will, Wills, and Willa. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Willow include Willa, Willamina . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.