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.

Home • Baby Names

146 English Baby Names Meaning, Starting With W

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

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

Read full bio of Shikha Thakur

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.

Read full bio of Siddharth Kesiraju

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.

Read full bio of Praggya Joshi

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
Wrenley	Unisex	Bird's meadow
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
Wrenlee	Unisex	Unique; Whimsical; Nature-inspired
Wilson	Boy	Resolute protector
Westley	Boy	Woodland; Clearing
Wayne	Boy	Wagon builders
Wesson	Boy	West town
Wes	Unisex	Western meadow or settlement
Whitley	Girl	From the white field
Warner	Boy	Defender, protector
Wrenly	Unisex	Small bird; Renowned ruler

Winry	Girl	Friend; Joy
Woods	Unisex	Forest or wooded area
Winslow	Unisex	Meadow or hill with a victory
Wynn	Unisex	Joyful, blessed
Waylan	Boy	Land by the road
Whit	Unisex	Short form of the name Whitney; White island; From the white meadow
Wayde	Unisex	River crossing; Wanderer
Weslynn	Unisex	West meadow
Weldon	Boy	Hill in a valley
Whitten	Unisex	White town; From the white farm

Williams	Boy	Son of William
Wolfe	Boy	A deadly beast
Wynona	Girl	Gracious; Blessed
Wilber	Boy	Strong-willed and industrious
Weller	Unisex	Powerful, noble, protection
Woodson	Boy	Son of wood
Wheeler	Unisex	Someone who makes or repairs wheels
Whitt	Unisex	Strong; Brave; Determined
Wrenn	Unisex	Small songbird
Weslyn	Unisex	Dweller near the western wood

Wellington	Boy	Fortunate, powerful, noble
Walton	Unisex	Settlement by the wall
Wylder	Unisex	Wild animal; Bird catcher
Whitman	Boy	White man
Waylynn	Unisex	Unique; Creative; Imaginative
Windsor	Unisex	Noble, royal, regal
Wilfred	Unisex	Resolute, determined, strong-willed
Wrangler	Unisex	Tough; Rugged; Adventurous
Warrick	Boy	Strength and protection
Wiley	Unisex	Crafty; Cunning; Deceitful

Westlyn	Unisex	Combination of west and the popular suffix 'lyn'
Wynnie	Unisex	Fair; Blessed peacemaking
Wilton	Unisex	Well settlement; Place by the stream; From the farm by the spring; Willow town
Wrenna	Unisex	Small; Chirping bird
Webster	Boy	Weaver; Skilled in words
Whittaker	Boy	White field
Wilkes	Unisex	Descendant of Wil, strong-willed
Willian	Girl	Strong-willed, determined, courageous
Woody	Boy	A forest-like or wooded area
Weslee	Unisex	West meadow; Variant of the name Wesley

Wright	Boy	The wagon maker
Winsley	Unisex	Friend's field; From the friend's meadow
Wyllow	Unisex	Variant transcription of Willow; The willow tree
Wally	Boy	Ruler of the army
Wallis	Unisex	From the Welsh valley
Wrigley	Unisex	From the meadow with a hedge
Wacey	Unisex	Loyal; Faithful
Westyn	Unisex	From the western town
Wayden	Unisex	Land beside the road
Waylen	Unisex	Land by the road

Weylin	Boy	The land by the road
Wensley	Unisex	Woodland clearing
Whitton	Unisex	white settlement or Hwita's settlement
Winslet	Unisex	Joy; Wynn's stream
Wylee	Unisex	Energetic; Adventurous; Free-spirited
Waldo	Boy	God's power
Washington	Unisex	Settlement of Wassa's people; People of the first man;
Willson	Boy	Son of Will
Wryn	Unisex	Unique; Strong; Mysterious
Whyatt	Boy	Little warrior; Brave in war

Wyeth	Boy	Warrior; Brave in battle
Wyld	Unisex	Untamed; Wild
Welton	Boy	From the village by the stream
Whisper	Unisex	Low speaking or murmuring sound
Wyndham	Boy	Village near a winding path
Winfield	Unisex	Field of victory
Wyley	Unisex	Charming; Captivating; Crafty
Wayman	Boy	Defender of the road
Wilford	Boy	Desires peace; Peaceful friend
Wraith	Unisex	A ghost or ghostlike image of someone, especially one seen shortly before or after their death

Windy	Unisex	Air in motion; Wind
Wilks	Unisex	A variant of Wilkes
Weaver	Unisex	One who weaves or makes fabric
Wellesley	Boy	Grassy meadow near the well
Winthrop	Unisex	Victorious warrior
Winton	Boy	From the wine estate
Wyman	Boy	Strong warrior
Wardell	Girl	Bold; Strong; Protector
Winson	Boy	Victorious; Strong; Beloved
Webber	Unisex	Weaver; Creator of webs

1 2 »

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.

OR

Author

Shikha ThakurMBA

Look Up For Many More Names

OR

My Favourites