Girl name · English
Willow
“the willow tree”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Willow.
Explore Willow further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Willow — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Willow is the tree itself — Old English welig, the graceful weeper whose branches bend without breaking, long a symbol of resilience and intuition.
The name entered real circulation in the 1990s and has climbed into the American top 40, carried by its gentle sound and by parents seeking nature names with movement in them.
Willow is all suppleness — strength disguised as softness. It pairs well with grounded middles (Willow James, Willow Mae) that root the branches. On our vibe map it is the Boho-Nature crossover in its purest form: the name that sways.
More English names
Willow sits in our English set — these share its roots.
All English names →Willow — common questions
Is Willow a boy or girl name?
Willow is traditionally a girl name of English origin. It ranked #44 among US girls' names in 2025.
What does the name Willow mean?
Willow means “the willow tree” of English origin. Willow is the tree itself — Old English welig, the graceful weeper whose branches bend without breaking, long a symbol of resilience and intuition.
Where does the name Willow come from?
Willow is English in origin. The name entered real circulation in the 1990s and has climbed into the American top 40, carried by its gentle sound and by parents seeking nature names with movement in them.
What are common nicknames for Willow?
Willa, Wills, and Will — the short-forms parents most often use for Willow.
How popular is Willow?
Willow ranked #44 in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which puts it solidly in everyday use.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Willow you might want for the nursery.