How popular is the baby name Willona in the United States right now? How popular was it historically? Use the popularity graph and data table below to find out! Plus, see all the blog posts that mention the name Willona.

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Popularity of the baby name Willona


Posts that mention the name Willona

Where did the baby name Willona come from in the 1970s?

The character Willona Woods from the TV series "Good Times" (1974-1979).
Willona Woods from “Good Times

The name Willona first appeared in the U.S. baby name data in 1974:

  • 1980: unlisted
  • 1979: 12 baby girls named Willona
  • 1978: 12 baby girls named Willona
  • 1977: 14 baby girls named Willona
  • 1976: 13 baby girls named Willona
  • 1975: 16 baby girls named Willona
  • 1974: 15 baby girls named Willona [debut]
  • 1973: unlisted
  • 1972: unlisted

Why?

Because of the sitcom Good Times (1974-1979), which introduced TV audiences to feisty, fashionable Willona Woods (played by Ja’net Dubois).

The show was set in a housing project in Chicago, and the main focus was the Evans family: father James, mother Florida, and their three children (J.J., Thelma and Michael).

Scene-stealing Willona was the divorcée who lived across the hall and regularly popped in for visits [vid].

In a later season, Willona adopted an abused child named Penny (played by future superstar Janet Jackson).

The name Willona remained in the SSA data through the show’s six-season run.

What do you think of the name Willona?

Sources: Good Times – Wikipedia, SSA
Image: Screenshot of Good Times