Willis
Willis began as a medieval English form of William, from the Germanic "wil" (will) and "helm" (helmet) — meaning "resolute protector." Willis was moderately popular in early 20th-century America, peaking at #144 in 1910. Bruce Willis (born 1955), the actor known for "Die Hard" (1988) and "Pulp Fiction" (1994), is the most famous modern bearer — though his career was affected by his 2022 dementia diagnosis. The single syllable is direct, and the "s" ending gives it sharpness. Willis is a male name of Germanic origin that means "Resolute protector (from William)". Brisk, mid-century, and a little rock-and-roll. The name sounds direct. Willises tend to be confident. US peaked #144 in 1910. Now outside top 1000. Well-known people named Willis include Bruce Willis (actor), Willis (medieval form of William), Willis (fictional, various), Willis (Germanic name). Common variations and related forms of Willis include William (full form), Will (nickname), Willie (nickname), Wills (variant).