[1] The village was referred to in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Wilie", and the name probably derives from a word meaning "willows".

The area north of Willian village was gradually developed through the twentieth century as part of the newly-created town.

[10][11][12] Under the Local Government Act 1894, the parish of Willian became part of the Hitchin Rural District.

The civil parish of Willian was abolished in 1935, being absorbed into Letchworth Urban District on 1 April 1935.

[16] The village has two public houses: the Fox, built in 1870[17][18] and the Three Horseshoes, dating from the late eighteenth century.