Willoughby is an uncommon but distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "wilgath", which means "willow tree". The name has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages.
In medieval England, Willoughby was often used as a surname, referring to someone who lived near or worked with willows. Over time, it evolved into a given name, although it remains relatively rare today.
The name Willoughby is associated with several notable historical figures. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Sir Thomas Willoughby, who was a prominent English politician and nobleman during the reign of King Henry VIII. Another notable figure was Frances Willoughby, who was a 17th-century English mathematician and philosopher.
Despite its rarity today, Willoughby is still considered a strong and unique given name choice. It has a classic, old-fashioned charm that is sure to make it stand out among more common names. Additionally, its meaning "willow tree" gives it a natural and earthy feel, making it an appealing option for parents looking for a distinctive name with a connection to nature.
The statistics provided show the number of babies named Willoughby born each year in the United States from 1915 to 2021. The name's popularity has fluctuated over time, with some years seeing more than ten births and others only one or two.
In the early years recorded, between 1915 and 1935, the number of babies named Willoughby ranged from five to fifteen each year. After a period of lower occurrences in the mid-century, there was a slight resurgence in the late 20th century with eight births in both 2011 and 2013.
More recently, between 2014 and 2021, there have been six births each year except for 2018 when seven babies were named Willoughby. Overall, throughout these years, a total of 218 children have been given the name Willoughby at birth in the United States.
While not extremely common, the name Willoughby has seen somewhat consistent usage over time, with occasional peaks and valleys in popularity. It is clear that this name has maintained some level of appeal to parents throughout the decades.