William
will-ee-uhm
US Popularity:17
Origin:German
Meaning:resolute protector; will, desire; helmet, protection
A name of kings and conquerors, William is a powerful and popular boy’s name. First introduced to England by William the Conqueror in 1066, the name has stood the test of time and remains fashionable throughout the English-speaking world. Despite this, William is actually German in origin. It derives from the Germanic Wilhelm, whose roots wil (“will, desire”) and helm (“helmet, protection”) combine to mean “resolute protector”—a bold meaning that will mark baby out as a defender of the vulnerable. On a lighter note, William also has several endearing and playful nicknames. These include Will, Willy, Bill, Billy, and even Liam—diminutives that will let baby William distinguish himself on the playground.
Famous People Named William
Wondering who else shares this name? Check out these well known people who made this baby name famous.
- WilliamPrincess Diana and Prince Charles
- William BlakeArtist, Poet
- William Butler YeatsPoet
- William FaulknerAuthor
- William GoldingNovelist
- William HannaCartoonist
- William Henry HarrisonUnited States President
- William H. MacyActor
- William HoldenActor
- William Howard TaftUnited States President
- William HurtActor
- William McKinleyUnited States President
- William MoseleyActor
- William S. BurroughsArtist
- William ShakespearePlaywright
- William WordsworthPoet
William Name Popularity Data
The Bump Ranking
Overall:William is currently #51 on The Bump
Boy:William is currently #31 on The Bump Boy Names
U.S. Births
Overall:William is currently #17 in U.S. births
Boy:William is currently #10 in U.S. births
Yearly Ranking Change:
Year:
2023
#10
in 2023
- 4
from 2022
Sources
Britannica, William I, king of England, September 2023
WordSense, William
Ancestry, William Family History
Behind the Name, William, December 2022
Online Etymology Dictionary, William, October 2017
Online Etymology Dictionary, Wilhelm, September 2017
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