Willie is a male given name of Scottish origin. It is a diminutive form of the name William, which means "resolute protection" or "strong-willed warrior." The name Willie has been popular throughout history and has been borne by many notable figures.
The name Willie is believed to have originated in Scotland during the Middle Ages. It was used as a nickname for boys named William, with the "-ie" suffix being added to the end of the name to create a familiar or affectionate form. The use of Willie as a given name became more widespread in English-speaking countries during the 19th century.
Willie has been popular among parents looking for unique and memorable names for their sons. In some cultures, such as Scottish and Irish, Willie is considered a traditional name with deep historical roots. However, it is also used globally, reflecting its timeless appeal.
While Willie may not be as commonly used today as it was in the past, it remains a beloved and distinctive name choice for boys. Its Scottish heritage and strong meaning make it an appealing option for parents seeking a meaningful name for their son.
Based on the statistics provided for the given name Willie in the United States from 1880 to 2023, we can observe several trends and patterns.
Starting in 1880 with 192 births, Willie experienced a steady increase in popularity over the next two decades, peaking at 2759 births in 1914. The name continued its upward trend throughout World War I, reaching an all-time high of 4051 births in 1919.
However, after this peak, Willie's popularity began to decline steadily. By the late 1930s, the number of births had fallen below 2000 annually, marking a significant shift in parental preference for the name Willie.
This downward trend continued into the mid-20th century, with fewer than 1000 births per year occurring between 1950 and 1963. The popularity of Willie as a given name continued to wane in subsequent decades, with only five births recorded each year from 2007 to 2019.
In recent years, however, there has been a slight resurgence in the use of Willie as a given name, with ten births reported in 2022 and six births in 2023. This recent uptick may indicate that the name is once again gaining favor among parents in the United States.