Willoughby is an uncommon given name of English origin, derived from the Old English words 'willa' meaning 'willow tree' and 'hēah' meaning 'high'. This name was historically used as a surname before becoming more prevalent as a first name in the 20th century. It has not been extensively documented or popularized through historical figures or literature, making it a distinctive choice for those seeking an unusual yet meaningful name. As of today, Willoughby remains relatively rare, with few occurrences worldwide.
The name Willoughby has seen fluctuations in its popularity over the past two decades, with a notable peak in recent years. Between 2000 and 2023, there were a total of 76 babies named Willoughby, with the highest numbers recorded in 2020 and 2021 (both 10 births). However, it appears that this name's popularity has been relatively stable since 2014, hovering around an average of six to seven births per year.