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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Willa

56 replies

MissHenty · 24/09/2019 14:24

I’ve recently met a little girl with this name and have completely fallen in love with it. Having been obsessed with baby names for ages I’m always surprised when I come across a name I’ve not even heard of before. I love it’s simplicity. It’s lack of frills. Easy to spell and pronounce. But also the fact it’s familiar enough not to sound weird.

Now if only I could have a baby girl next.... 🤣

What do you all think ?

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Astronica · 25/09/2019 03:20

I like it. Seems sleek, smart and understated to me.

NoSauce · 24/09/2019 22:51

It seems daft to me.

A cross between Willow and Wilma.

Atlasta · 24/09/2019 22:40

I think it's awful. It's not a going to be a classic and will date.

GwenCooper81 · 24/09/2019 22:36

I've just read a book with a 'Willa' in. I really like it. I'm in South Yorks and don't say Willow like 'Willa'.

99problemsandjust1appt · 24/09/2019 22:36

Taylor Hanson has a daughter called Willa (Wilhemina). She looks very sweet

TerribleCustomerCervix · 24/09/2019 22:32

Love it but I already have a William

123Dancewithme · 24/09/2019 22:28

I really like it. It seems quite popular in the Telegraph birth announcements.

Original poster
MissHenty · 24/09/2019 21:36

@bumpitybumpbump no no I’m interested in what others think but it won’t stop me loving the name at all

@Cbeebiesrehab I agree - ridiculous that some here think Willa would get teased whereas Willow and William are totally fine! I love the name Willa

OP posts:
HeronLanyon · 24/09/2019 20:58

I mean in addition to Cather and Neb, it’s lovely.

HeronLanyon · 24/09/2019 20:58

Cather.

Nebraska.
After that I think it’s lovely.

bumpitybumpbump · 24/09/2019 20:57

I think it sounds lovely - and my advice is to not seek counsel - you will never find a name everyone likes and people take it as a free for all to just be pretty rude and say things they wouldn't say to your face. If you (and your partner if involved) like it then go for it.

Shinyshoes2 · 24/09/2019 20:57

Isn't there a singer called Willa ?
I like it , very unusual

ItsGoingTibiaK · 24/09/2019 20:55

@geneva1995

I should have said parts of Yorkshire. It’s a big place. In South Yorkshire, where I live, it would be.

DramaAlpaca · 24/09/2019 20:53

It's not a nice name to me. It doesn't look or sound attractive at all.

Geneva1995 · 24/09/2019 20:51

@ItsGoingTibiaK I’m from Yorkshire and I don’t say Willow as Willa... dunno who you’ve been listening too 🤣

Geneva1995 · 24/09/2019 20:51

LOVE the name Willa after I looked after a little girl at nursery with this name. I’d of stole it for my little girl but I’m friends with her mum now and would be embarrassed LOL Grin
It’s also not popular like Willow is.

WeShouldOpenABar · 24/09/2019 19:14

How willow sounds in a Dublin accent, not in a good way

Cbeebiesrehab · 24/09/2019 19:13

Why would she be teased any more than a Willow or a William?

Windygate · 24/09/2019 18:36

Willa is the female version of William. Pretty name but yes she might be teased a bit.

Ginger1982 · 24/09/2019 18:13

Sounds like a rushed 'Will I' in my accent!

100PercentThatBitch · 24/09/2019 17:55

Willa Cather is a really good American writer, and I've liked it since I read her books

MrsMozartMkII · 24/09/2019 17:50

That will be so messed up with at school.

Ihopeyourcakeisshit · 24/09/2019 17:49

I think it might end up being misinterpreted as a badly pronounced Willow?

florascotia2 · 24/09/2019 17:46

It's a traditional short form of 'Williamina'.

Willa Muir was a famous, pioneering Scottish writer and translator.

GummyGoddess · 24/09/2019 17:40

Will be nicknamed Willy at school unfortunately, but is a pretty sound.