I spotted this observation on another forum & just wondered if there was any truth in it

Quote:
"In Appalachian ballads, 'Willy' seems to be a popular name among murderers."

So where do all the 'Willy Murderers' come from?

I wonder, were they all English originally?

Surely Irish, Scots & Welsh Ballads would be far more likely to use another name for their hero or villain, wouldn't they?

Also, wouldn't home grown Appalachian Ballads be more likely to use a more American sounding name for their hero or villain?

I'm wondering too if Willy was more often the hero, rather than the villain?

Cheers
Dick