Willett is an unusual yet charming given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English 'Will', short for William, and 'ett', which denotes a small plot of land or homestead. This unique combination gives Willett its distinct character. The name Willett was popularized by American author Thomas Hardy Wittelsey's novel "The Great God Will" in 1890, where he used it as the protagonist's last name. Today, Willett is still a rare find on birth certificates but continues to intrigue with its historic roots and timeless appeal.
The name Willett experienced a notable gap in usage between the early 1920s and 1971, with no recorded births between 1924 and 1971.