The first name Willoughby

In 2025, 11 boys were named Willoughby, making it the 2,133rd most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2008, with 22 births (#1,124).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Willoughby with other names.

In 2025, 5 girls born in the United States were named Willoughby, the 17,134th most popular girls’ name that year. It was used most in 1923, when 15 were.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• Willoughby Smith
  British engineer (1828–1891)
• Willoughby D. Miller
  American dentist (1853–1907)
• Willoughby Gray
  British actor (1916–1993)

• Harley
• Lee
• Oakley
• Ashton
• Marley
• Sidney
• Harlow
• Wren
• Leighton
• Payton
• Rylan
• Devon
• Tatum
• Sutton
• Monroe
• Royal

All 216 names of English origin

What does the name Willoughby mean?

Willoughby means “willow”, “settlement” in English.

What is the origin of the name Willoughby?

From Old English weliġ (“willow”) and Old Norse byr (“settlement”).

How popular is the name Willoughby?

In 2025, 11 boys born in England and Wales were named Willoughby, ranking 2,133rd. Its peak was 2008, with 22 births.

Is Willoughby a boy's or a girl's name?

Both. Of the 314 US babies named Willoughby since 1880, 29% were girls and 71% boys.

When was Willoughby most popular?

1923 in the United States, when 15 babies were named Willoughby, its highest rank at 2,221st.

Is Willoughby also a surname?

Yes. Willoughby is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.