Baby Names That Start With W: 28 Girl & Boy Names With Meanings
W names have a rounded, gentle opening that suits both soft girls' names (Willow, Winnie) and sturdy boys' names (Walter, Wesley). This list gathers 28 names that start with W, with the meaning, origin and a short note on each.
Reviewed
Where an origin is uncertain, as with Wanda, we say so. Names are grouped by gender and ordered roughly from classic to distinctive.
Our top picks
Girl names (10)
- WandaSlavic (uncertain)uncertain; sometimes linked to a Slavic tribe nameA vintage name that is rarely used today.
- WaverlyEnglishmeadow of quivering aspensA graceful surname-name.
- WendyEnglishinvented; popularised by J. M. Barrie's 'Peter Pan'A storybook name.
- WhitneyEnglishwhite islandA familiar surname-name.
- WilhelminaGermanicresolute protectorRegal and long; nickname Mina or Willa.
- WillaGermanicwill, desire (a feminine form of William)Literary, as in Willa Cather.
- WillowEnglishthe willow treeA graceful nature name.
- WilmaGermanicresolute protectorVintage and rare.
- WinifredWelshblessed reconciliationVintage with the nickname Winnie.
- WinnieEnglisha pet form of Winifred or WinstonFriendly and bear-loved.
Boy names (16)
- WadeEnglishto go, or a river crossingShort and rugged.
- WalkerEnglisha cloth fullerA friendly occupational name.
- WallaceScottishforeigner, WelshmanScottish and brave.
- WalterGermanicarmy rulerVintage and dependable.
- WarrenGermanic / Frenchgame park, or guardA friendly classic.
- WayneEnglishwagon makerMid-century and plain.
- WendellGermanicwandererVintage and distinctive.
- WesleyEnglishwestern meadowFriendly and gentle.
- WestonEnglishwest townA modern surname-name.
- WilburGermanicresolute and brightVintage and quirky.
- WilderEnglishwildBold and free-spirited.
- WilliamGermanicresolute protectorA royal classic with many nicknames.
- WillisEnglishson of WillFriendly and rare.
- WinstonEnglishjoy stone, or joyful townStrong, as in Winston Churchill.
- WolfgangGermanicwolf pathMusical, as in Mozart.
- WyattEnglishbrave in warA friendly Western name.
Unisex names (2)
- WinterEnglishthe season of winterCool and crisp.
- WrenEnglisha small songbirdTiny, bright and cheerful.
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How to choose
The Will family
Willa, Willow, William, Wilhelmina and Willis all share the Germanic root 'will' (desire or resolve). That gives the family a determined feel.
Nature and weather names
Willow, Winter, Wren and Wilder are inspired by nature. They suit a child who feels free and outdoorsy.
Nicknames
William gives you Will, Bill, Liam and Billy. That's a lot of choice from one name.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular baby names that start with W?
Willow, William and Wyatt are the best-known, and Wesley, Weston and Wilder are modern favourites.
What are unique baby names that start with W?
Wilhelmina, Winifred, Waverly, Wendell and Wolfgang are rarer but easy to pronounce.
What are gender-neutral baby names that start with W?
Wren and Winter are used for any gender.
What does the name William mean?
William is Germanic and means 'resolute protector'.
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