What customs and traditions are associated with English baby names?

English naming customs typically involve three elements - a given name, a middle name (s), and a family name. The British follow a patrilineal naming system where the child inherits their fathers family name. However, following the patrilineal naming system is not mandatory. Instead, parents have the freedom to choose their childs last name. Some parents could also give their child the mothers last name. In contrast, others may provide both mother and father surnames in a hyphenated form, reflecting the flexibility in English naming traditions and customs.

How do English baby names reflect a person's heritage?

English naming conventions are diverse, encompassing people from different religions, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. Many parents may opt for names that mirror their ethnic and cultural connections. For example, parents of Irish heritage may choose titles like Liam. On the other hand, those of Greek origin might opt for names like Sophia or Alexander. Parents may also pick names that reflect their regional heritage. For example, Devon and Kent are names inspired by specific regions or places within England. Furthermore, many families pass down names from one generation to another or choose monikers inspired by literary and historical figures.

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146 English Baby Names Meaning, Starting With W

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

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Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 7 years

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Willow	Girl	Willow tree; Freedom
Waylon	Boy	Land beside the road
Wesley	Boy	Pasture; Field
Weston	Boy	From the western town
Winter	Girl	Winter season
Warren	Boy	Protector; Guard
Winston	Boy	Wine's town
Wells	Boy	Spring
Watson	Boy	Son of Watt
Westin	Boy	From the western town

Wilson	Boy	Resolute protector
Westley	Boy	Woodland; Clearing
Wayne	Boy	Wagon builders
Wesson	Boy	West town
Whitley	Girl	From the white field
Wes	Unisex	Western meadow or settlement
Warner	Boy	Defender, protector
Wiley	Unisex	Crafty; Cunning; Deceitful
Westyn	Unisex	From the western town
Winry	Girl	Friend; Joy

Westlyn	Unisex	Combination of west and the popular suffix 'lyn'
Waylen	Unisex	Land by the road
Whitaker	Unisex	White field or settlement
Williams	Boy	Son of William
Waylan	Boy	Land by the road
Weslee	Unisex	West meadow; Variant of the name Wesley
Wolfe	Boy	A deadly beast
Wellington	Boy	Fortunate, powerful, noble
Wayde	Unisex	River crossing; Wanderer
Wynona	Girl	Gracious; Blessed

Wynston	Boy	Joyful stone; Friend's settlement
Weslyn	Unisex	Dweller near the western wood
Weslynn	Unisex	West meadow
Whit	Unisex	Short form of the name Whitney; White island; From the white meadow
Weldon	Boy	Hill in a valley
Whitten	Unisex	White town; From the white farm
Weller	Unisex	Powerful, noble, protection
Wylder	Unisex	Wild animal; Bird catcher
Warrick	Boy	Strength and protection
Wilber	Boy	Strong-willed and industrious

Walton	Unisex	Settlement by the wall
Whitman	Boy	White man
Whittaker	Boy	White field
Woodson	Boy	Son of wood
Windsor	Unisex	Noble, royal, regal
Washington	Unisex	Settlement of Wassa's people; People of the first man;
Wilfred	Unisex	Resolute, determined, strong-willed
Wheeler	Unisex	Someone who makes or repairs wheels
Waylin	Unisex	Land by the road
Woods	Unisex	Forest or wooded area

Winslow	Unisex	Meadow or hill with a victory
Wylee	Unisex	Energetic; Adventurous; Free-spirited
Wrenn	Unisex	Small songbird
Wilton	Unisex	Well settlement; Place by the stream; From the farm by the spring; Willow town
Wrangler	Unisex	Tough; Rugged; Adventurous
Willian	Girl	Strong-willed, determined, courageous
Wright	Boy	The wagon maker
Wrenley	Unisex	Bird's meadow
Whitt	Unisex	Strong; Brave; Determined
Wynn	Unisex	Joyful, blessed

Webster	Boy	Weaver; Skilled in words
Woody	Boy	A forest-like or wooded area
Wayden	Unisex	Land beside the road
Weylin	Boy	The land by the road
Whitton	Unisex	white settlement or Hwita's settlement
Wilkes	Unisex	Descendant of Wil, strong-willed
Willson	Boy	Son of Will
Wrenly	Unisex	Small bird; Renowned ruler
Waylynn	Unisex	Unique; Creative; Imaginative
Waldo	Boy	God's power

Wilkins	Boy	Son of William
Wacey	Unisex	Loyal; Faithful
Wally	Boy	Ruler of the army
Whyatt	Boy	Little warrior; Brave in war
Winfield	Unisex	Field of victory
Wyld	Unisex	Untamed; Wild
Wrenna	Unisex	Small; Chirping bird
Welton	Boy	From the village by the stream
Wyman	Boy	Strong warrior
Wyndham	Boy	Village near a winding path

Wyllow	Unisex	Variant transcription of Willow; The willow tree
Wilford	Boy	Desires peace; Peaceful friend
Wayman	Boy	Defender of the road
Wrigley	Unisex	From the meadow with a hedge
Wynnie	Unisex	Fair; Blessed peacemaking
Wrenlee	Unisex	Unique; Whimsical; Nature-inspired
Wraith	Unisex	A ghost or ghostlike image of someone, especially one seen shortly before or after their death
Weaver	Unisex	One who weaves or makes fabric
Wellesley	Boy	Grassy meadow near the well
Wensley	Unisex	Woodland clearing

Whitfield	Unisex	White field
Wilks	Unisex	A variant of Wilkes
Winthrop	Unisex	Victorious warrior
Wylde	Unisex	Someone who is untamed, unconventional or living in nature; Someone from a rural or uncultivated area
Wilburn	Boy	Resolute; Strong-willed
Wallis	Unisex	From the Welsh valley
Wendi	Unisex	Welcoming; Friendly; Intelligent
Wardell	Girl	Bold; Strong; Protector
Winson	Boy	Victorious; Strong; Beloved
Winton	Boy	From the wine estate

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Infographic: Meaningful English Baby Names Meaning, Starting With W

If you are ready to embark on the journey to find a meaningful name for your child, check out our infographic below. It shares a list of English Baby Names Meaning, Starting With W that are elegant and distinct. These options are selected from diverse cultures and languages, offering you the best baby name options worldwide. Scroll through the list to find a suitable name based on your preference and liking.

English Baby Names Meaning, Starting With W(infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.