How to Pronounce Willys (Jeep History Explained)

Quick Answer: How Do You Pronounce Willys?

Willys is pronounced “WILL-iss” (rhymes with illis), not “will-ees.”
The name comes from John North Willys, who pronounced his last name “WILL-iss.” However, “will-ees” has been commonly used for decades and is widely accepted in casual conversation.

Check out my YouTube video How to Pronounce Willys

Willys Jeep

Why the Name “Willys” Confuses People

Why “Willys” Is Pronounced “WILL-iss”
John North Willys pronounced his last name “WILL-iss,” which makes this the historically correct pronunciation. Willys-Overland Motors followed the same pronunciation.

That said, “will-ees” has been used so widely for decades even by respected Jeep historians  that both pronunciations are commonly heard today.

Willys MB: First Jeep

The iconic Jeep® Brand is recognized all over the world. Every Jeep Brand vehicle has a unique story to tell, with a rich heritage that links back to the original Willys MB. The first Jeep to hit the production line.

This "Go Anywhere, Do Anything" Jeep 4x4 vehicle became the hero for thousands of Allied soldiers around the world in the 1940's. Later becoming the civilian hero for many decades to come. 

Military Jeep

Why the Military Needed the Jeep

During the war the US infantry needed a low-profile, powerful vehicle with four-wheel drive. Three commercial companies put in their bids, American Bantam, Willys Overland Motors, and Ford Motor Company. This is the Birth of Jeep an American Icon.

Willys Overland factory

Willys-Overland and the Birth of Jeep

Each company was tasked to build a vehicle for testing. In July of 1941 the contract was awarded to Willys Overland motors using combined parts of all three prototypes. The Willys MB was born.

Read More about The Birth of Jeep

John North Willys

Who Was John North Willys?

John North Willys was an American automotive pioneer and diplomat. His company, Willys-Overland Motors, became the second largest carmaker in the United States after Henry Ford.

TIME OUT --  John Willys is spelled Willys. Willys Overland Motors is spelled Willys. Its pronounced WIL-IS. That is how the owner pronounced his last name. So WIL-IS must be the proper pronunciation 

A quick look at the top of either Wikipedia page will show that the proper pronunciation is wil-is. That said, the incorrect pronunciation of Willys, (willies) has been used for many decades by people of all walks of life, up to and including many of the world's most esteemed Jeep historians, that it's become acceptable to hear and use either pronunciation.

 

The Three Original Jeep Prototypes

Willys Quad 

Designed by Willys Overland Motors in Toledo, Ohio. This little beast of a machine was powered by it's "Go Devil" engine that produced 61 mph, along with 105 foot pounds of torque. 

Willys Quad

Blitz Buggy

Designed by American Bantam out of Butler, Pennsylvania. Working with Spicer, one of Bantam's focuses was axles and transfer case. 

Blitz Buggy

Pigmy

Designed by Ford Motor Company. The two Ford pilot vehicles are now sitting in museums. It is said neither the original Bantam Pilot nor the Willys Quad survived. 

Pigmy

FAQs: Pronouncing Willys

How do Jeep historians pronounce Willys?
Most historians acknowledge “WILL-iss” as correct, though “will-ees” is commonly used.

Is it wrong to say “will-ees”?
Not really. While “WILL-iss” is historically accurate, both pronunciations are widely accepted today.

Why does pronunciation matter in Jeep culture?
Because Jeep history is deeply tied to Willys-Overland and its founder, John North Willys.