Willard

Willard is an English-origin name used as both a given name and a surname. It is generally considered to come from Germanic elements meaning will, desire, or resolve, paired with a suffix meaning hardy or brave. Over time, the name has appeared in various literary, historical, and cultural contexts and remains in use in English-speaking countries.

As a place name, Willard designates several locations in the United States, reflecting its use as a surname for early settlers. A notable example is Willard, Ohio, among other towns and townships that bear the name.

In popular culture, Willard is the title of a 1971 American horror film about a shy man who develops a bond with his rats; the story was adapted from a novel by Richard Matheson. A 2003 remake of the film, also titled Willard, presents a contemporary retelling of the same premise with a new cast.

Beyond film and literature, the name appears in various contexts as a surname or given name for individuals and fictional characters. Willard remains a recognizable, historically rooted name that has persisted in usage across generations.