Willow

At a Glance

Meaning

Named for the willow tree

Origin

English

Gender

Girl

Pronunciation

WIL-ohListen

Willow is an English name, pronounced WIL-oh (/ˈwɪloʊ/), that refers directly to the willow tree. You may have come across the idea that it means 'graceful' or symbolizes freedom and flexibility, but that's really just a symbolic association people make with the tree — the name itself simply names the tree, nothing more. It's a classic name with a free-spirited, boho, bold, outdoorsy, nature-inspired feel.

Meaning & Origin of Willow

Meaning: Named for the willow tree.

Origin: English.

A common claim: Popularly described as meaning 'graceful' or 'slender,' symbolizing freedom and flexibility. Actually: Those are symbolic associations with the tree, not the name's etymology — Willow simply refers to the willow tree, with no attested deeper meaning of 'graceful' or 'freedom.'

Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.

How to Pronounce Willow

Popularity of Willow

SSA records for Willow go back to 1890, and in 2024 it ranked #41 with 4,653 girls given the name, not far off its peak of #37 in 2022, when 5,064 girls received it.

Names Like Willow

These names share Willow’s style, era or origin.

• Ivy
• Kinsley
• Blakely
• Fern
• Hazel
• Kinslynn

FAQ

What does the name Willow mean?

Named for the willow tree. (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Willow?

Willow is pronounced WIL-oh (IPA: /ˈwɪloʊ/).

Is Willow a popular name right now?

Willow is near its all-time peak (#37 in 2022), ranked #41 in 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1890–2024.)

Make Willow Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Willow, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.