WILLARD
Willard
Willard is an English surname of Norman origin. The name is derived from the Old Germanic name "Willihard," composed of the elements "will," meaning "will" or "desire," and "hard," meaning "hardy" or "brave."
The surname Willard is primarily found in England, particularly in the southern counties. It is believed to have been brought to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066, when William the Conqueror invaded and established Norman rule over the country.
Over the centuries, individuals with the surname Willard have been associated with various professions, including landowners, merchants, and craftsmen. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, where descendants of British immigrants have carried on the Willard name.
Notable individuals bearing the surname Willard include Samuel Willard, a colonial clergyman and scholar in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and Frances E. Willard, a prominent American suffragist and activist for women's rights.
The Willard surname continues to be borne by families across the United Kingdom and beyond, reflecting the enduring legacy of its Norman origins and the diverse paths taken by its bearers throughout history.
There are approximately 1,472 people named Willard in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,432nd most common surname in Britain. Around 23 in a million people in Britain are named Willard.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Adrian
- Andrew
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Ann
- Deborah
- Janet
- Karen
- Louise
- Mary
- Melissa
- Michelle
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Rosemary
- Sandra
- Sarah
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.