Find out how popular the first name Willey has been for the last 6 years (from 1984 to 1989) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Willey by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Willey is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1989, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Willey.

The history of the first name Willey

The given name Willey has its origins in the Old English language, tracing back to the early medieval period in the British Isles. It is derived from the Old English word "wil," which means "will" or "desire," combined with the common suffix "-ey," indicating a diminutive form. The name can be interpreted to mean "little will" or "little desire."

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Willey dates back to the late 11th century in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears in various spellings, including "Willelm" and "Willelmus," reflecting the evolving nature of language and naming conventions during that era.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Willey. One of the most prominent figures was Willey Reveley (1784-1856), an English architect and surveyor who played a significant role in the development of London's urban landscape during the early 19th century. His notable works include the design of the Church of St. Peter in Eaton Square and the renovation of the Royal Mint.

Another notable Willey was Willey Branton (1920-1988), an American civil rights lawyer and advisor to President Lyndon B. Johnson. He played a crucial role in the drafting and implementation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, landmark legislations that aimed to end discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

In the realm of literature, Willey Tate (1841-1924) was an American poet and educator known for his contributions to the Southern literary renaissance. His work often explored themes of nature, spirituality, and the complexities of the post-Civil War South. Tate's poetry collections, such as "Poems" (1867) and "Shenandoah" (1892), earned him critical acclaim and a place among the notable poets of his time.

The name Willey also appears in religious texts and historical records. In the Old Testament, the Book of Ezra mentions a figure named Willey, a member of the tribe of Levi who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity. Additionally, the name is found in medieval European records, such as the Domesday Book of Wiltshire, where several landholders with the name Willey are documented.

Willey Caudwell (1572-1663) was an English clergyman and academic who served as the Master of Christ's College, Cambridge, during the 17th century. He played a significant role in the intellectual and religious discourse of his time, publishing several theological works and contributing to the governance of the university.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have borne the name Willey throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of human endeavor.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Willey was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Willey, please contact us.

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