Meaning of the first name

Willard

The first name Willard finds its origins in the English language and derives from the combination of two elements: Will and hard. The element Will is a shortened form of the name William, which means resolute protector or will brave. The second element, hard, signifies strength or bravery. Therefore, when combined, the name Willard carries the meaning of brave strength or resolute protector.

The name Willard has a noteworthy presence throughout history and remains in usage today. In early American history, Willard became a prominent name associated with famous personalities such as Simon Willard, an English colonist who arrived in Massachusetts in the mid-1600s. The name further gained recognition in the 20th century when Willard became a popular first name. Notably, Willard Mitt Romney, an American politician and businessman, brought the name into the political spotlight as the 70th Governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007 and as the Republican nominee for the 2012 United States presidential election. Presently, the name Willard continues to be chosen for newborns, exemplifying the enduring appeal of its meaning and its historical and contemporary associations.