Willoughby \wi-llough-by, will(ou)-ghby\ as a boy's name is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Willoughby is "willow farm". Place name. In early England, willows were an important part of the agriculural economy as their pliable branches could be woven into baskets.

Willoughby has 3 variant forms: Willoughbey, Willoughbie and Willughby.