W: a double-u and a family of resolute names
W is the only letter whose English name has more than one syllable, and the name tells the story: medieval scribes wrote two Vs (or two Us) side by side to record the "w" sound, so the new letter became the "double-u". The French still call it "double vé". W names are about as varied as the letter's past, from sturdy Germanic classics to free nature names.
Resolute and protective: the Wil- names
William, Wilhelm and Wilhelmina all mean resolute protector, from old words for will and helmet. Willa is the short form, Willard means "resolute and brave", and Wilbur means "resolute, bright". Wolfgang means "wolf path". Combined, they give W a tradition of determination that suits a family wanting a classic, reliable name.
Willow, wren and winter
English W names look outside: Willow is a tree, Wren is a songbird and Winter is a season. Winona, a name used among the Dakota people, means "first-born daughter", and Wynn comes from Welsh and means "fair" or "blessed". Wanda and Wendell both carry the meaning "wanderer", which suits an adventurous baby.
W names worth a closer look
- Wren
A tiny, musical bird name that is simple to spell and easy to love.
- Wynn
A short Welsh name that works for any child.
- Winona
A Dakota name for a first-born daughter, with a gentle flow.
- Wolfgang
A big German name with a musical legacy and the nicknames Wolf and Wolfie.
- Willow
A graceful nature name that suits babies of any gender.
Famous people whose first names start with W
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the composer who wrote more than 600 works
- Winston Churchill, the British prime minister during the Second World War
- Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner who founded the Green Belt Movement
- William Shakespeare, the playwright and poet
- Walt Disney, the animator and entertainment pioneer
- Wilma Rudolph, the sprinter who won three gold medals at the 1960 Olympics
- Whitney Houston, the singer with one of the best-selling music careers in history
Questions about W names
Why is W called "double-u"?
In the Middle Ages, scribes wrote the "w" sound as two Us or two Vs joined together, so the new letter was named for the double form.
What does Wolfgang mean?
Wolfgang is a German name meaning "wolf path".