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Name Origin

Willa is a feminine given name of German origin, meaning 'resolute protector' or 'powerful warrior'. It is a diminutive of Wilhelmina, which itself derives from the Germanic elements 'wil' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection).

germanfemininewarriorprotectorresolutepowerfuldiminitive

Famous People

Willa Cather (1873-1947)

author

  • Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (1923)
  • National Book Award Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters (1946)
  • Known for novels set in the American West and Midwest, including 'My Ántonia', 'O Pioneers!', and 'Death Comes for the Archbishop'

Willa Fitzgerald (1991-)

actress

  • Known for her roles in the television series 'Scream: The TV Series' and 'Royal Pains'