Willoughby: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: wil-uh-bee
Origin: England
gender-male

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Jul 01, 2025 · 1 min read
Region Origin: English
Meaning: Willoughby means "farm near the willows."

Willoughby is a distinctive and elegant name of English origin, traditionally used as a surname but occasionally adopted as a given name. The name Willoughby carries connotations of nobility and heritage, often associated with a sense of sophistication. It is derived from Old English, combining "wilig," meaning willow, and "by," meaning farm or settlement, thus translating to "willow farm." While not commonly used as a first name, its unique sound and historical roots have appealed to those seeking a name with depth and character. In contemporary culture, the name Willoughby may be recognized through individuals in literature or fictional narratives, reflecting a sense of timelessness and classic appeal. Its use in modern times remains rare, but it captures attention with its distinguished and melodic qualities.

Willoughby Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Willoughby is currently #32135 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Boy: Willoughby is currently #13780 on Kiindred Boy Names
gender-male Overall Nature: Willoughby is currently #13411 on Kiindred Nature Names
gender-male Boy Nature: Willoughby is currently #5715 on Kiindred Boy Nature Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Source: Social Security Administration

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Wikipedia, NSW Births Deaths and Marriages, QLD Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages, WA Registry of Births, SA Registry of Births, VIC Registry of Births, Social Security Administration

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