Willow - Baby Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Publish date: 2024-05-07
Willow came into use as a given name after the willow tree, whose name was derived from the Old English word welig, meaning "willow." Willow trees are associated with grace and elegance, which gave way to the adjective "willowy." Other names with meanings related to willows include Arava, Willoughby, Dozier, Wellesley, Selby, and Salton.

An ancient tree that figures in literature from Shakespeare to Harry Potter and is believed to possess magical powers, Willow is a lovely name, as graceful as its inspiration, that is growing in popularity along with Willa and Will.

This elegant and charming nature name has been chosen for their daughters by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, Michelle Monaghan and Pink. It's been a fast riser in recent years, climbing along with other Will names Willa, William and Will, having taken off here a year after the character of Willow was introduced on Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 1997.

Willow is even more popular in other English-speaking countries: it's highly popular in Australia and in the UK, Canada and Scotland.

The name has transcended its one-time hippie aura to move into the realm of reappraised and appreciated nature names. The willow is believed by the Romani to possess the ability to heal the sick and rejuvenate the aged.

Pink was quoted as saying her choice was influenced by a willow tree she grew up near, and that it is the most flexible tree that nothing can break—no wind, no elements, it can bend and withstand anything.

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