Have never really had this name on the list, but heard it again today and we both really liked it…
What does everyone else think?
It reminds me of the [name]Saturday[/name] [name]Night[/name] Live skit (not available online) with [name]Scarlet[/name] Johansson, [name]Rachel[/name] Dratch, and [name]Tina[/name] [name]Fey[/name]. Here’s a link to an image: The Other Austen and a full transcript: SNL Transcripts: Scarlett Johansson: 01/14/06: Mr. Willoughby - SNL Transcripts Tonight if you want to read it.
[name]Willoughby[/name] is the name of the antagonist in Sense and Sensability who plays [name]Marianne[/name] false. I always think villan due to the association with that book.
I think [name]Willoughby[/name] is incredibly dashing! 
And I love your girls’ names.
Personally I think it’s a bit too fluffy for a boy. It would make an interesting middle name, though.
There’s something about it that I really love. I think I would use it for a girl, but I can definitely see it on a boy now that you mention it…
I automatically think ‘Sense and Sensibility’ and how handsome the actor [name]Greg[/name] Wise was in the 90’s film adaptation. I also believe the boy’s name in the original ‘Shaggy Dog’ was [name]Willoughby[/name].
I would love to know that there was a little [name]Willoughby[/name] running around, therefore I think you should go for it. I think if it was used a decade or two ago it might have had ‘nerdy’ connotations but, I see wouldn’t say that any longer.
[name]Aimee[/name]
I think it has a solid, beautiful, English sound to it. And [name]Will[/name] or [name]Wills[/name] is a classic nickname.
I think of Sense & Sensibility when I hear it - I love [name]Willoughby[/name] in that. 
It’s actually a town near me, I don’t really hear boys name when I hear/see it.
[name]Every[/name] time I see or hear the name [name]Willoughby[/name] I immediately whisper it in a British accent ala [name]Kate[/name] [name]Winslet[/name]. You know, when she is on the hill and is looking in the direction of [name]Willoughby[/name]'s new home or something like that…
I like it as a name but I will never not do that, so it kind of nixes it for me.
I think it’s more girly, especially with the nn [name]Willow[/name]…
My first pet was named Willowby. He was a boy. I called him [name]Willow[/name].
At first, this reminded me of that movie with jodie foster where richard gere was here long lost husband from the war. I thought his name was willoughby, but no that was somersby, and willoughby is from sense and sensibility.
I like the way it sounds on my ears, but honestly I feel that it is too masculine for a girl, yet too feminine for a boy. I think nameberries can appreciate the name, but keep in mind that any dashing handsome man (with a British accent or not) once has to be a little boy with the name [name]Willoughby[/name]. While I don’t find the adult [name]Willoughby[/name] jarring, I do pity the little Willoughy.
Also, sounds a bit like a Wallaby, yet another area ripe for teasing.
I can only think of the villain connotation as well, but then again I’m a lover of the name [name]Heathcliff[/name]… I’ve actually seen [name]Willoughby[/name] on a little girl once. That didn’t fit at all for me. I do agree with others that it seems a big fluffy for a boy, but it would make a dashing middle name.
I love [name]Willoughby[/name]! It’s very elegant. I don’t think it’s too fluffy either. It also has the easy nickname of [name]Will[/name].
Thank you all for your opinions.
You’ve started a real debate in my mind.
I’m still not sure if this is on or off my list but I do so love it.
The ‘Sense and Sensibility’ connection is what it conjures for me. I remember going to see the film of it and falling head over heels with the [name]Willoughby[/name] actor. Tragic, misled but romantic. And it has such a lovely sound.
I was thinking I’d use the nickname Willby or even Loby when he was little (so sweet!)
Anyway, will keep grappling with if it’s too feminine or too poserish. Hoping not. X
I wanted to use [name]Willoughby[/name] for our son, but my partner refused! I think it’s a wonderful name, anyhow.
I love [name]Willoughby[/name]! It’s actually one of my favorite names. I don’t see the feminine side of it I just see it as a “soft” boy name.
mistressoftheteacup- Thank you, I love your childrens names by the way. Literally all of them are on my ‘love’ list. My DH loves [name]Lysander[/name], and I do too but I don’t know if I am cool enough to really use it!
Have you got good feedback on it? [name]How[/name] does he like his name?
And do you use any nicknames, like [name]Sander[/name] or anything?
Sorry for all the questions- very nosey but I have just been encouraged by your son’s name that it is a wearable choice.
dayken95- [name]Willoughby[/name] is being coaxed back onto the maybe list, since [name]Angus[/name] is being coaxed off it. Ahhhhh I am so conflicted about this process. It’s nice to hear some support for the dashing [name]Willoughby[/name], thanks!
I have mixed feelings. The “[name]Willow[/name]” embedded is more than a tad feminine, and I’m not sure adding “by” makes it less so. I’m almost more inclined to like it (as much as I can like it) for a girl.
I can’t get past the fact that [name]Willoughby[/name] was a scoundrel. But maybe that is just me. I’m an English major, a compulsive reader, and I’ve read the book and seen (various) movies dozens of times. Ultimately for me, [name]Willoughby[/name] is the boy you [name]DON[/name]'T want your daughter to love.
But I have heard it suggested as an “[name]Austen[/name]” name. So there you go. Others see it differently. I wouldn’t be shocked to meet a little [name]Willoughby[/name]. And it isn’t ugly.
I suppose that is damning with faint praise…
I think it MIGHT be okay with a more mainstream first name, but only in that instance. I really think kids need at least one mainstream name to fall back on.