William
Resolute protector — a boy name of Germanic origin
Popularity of William in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of William
William derives from the Old Germanic name Willahelm, composed of "wil" (will, desire) and "helm" (helmet, protection). The name was brought to England by William the Conqueror after the Norman invasion of 1066, and it quickly became the most popular name among English royalty and commoners alike. Four English kings bore the name, and it has remained in the top tier of boy names for nearly a thousand years. William is one of the few names that has never fallen out of fashion in the English-speaking world, consistently ranking in the top 20 in the United States and United Kingdom.
William Around the World
William is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 40+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for William
Famous People Named William
- William Shakespeare — English playwright and poet
- Prince William — Duke of Cambridge and heir to the British throne
- William Faulkner — Nobel Prize-winning American novelist
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Sibling Name Ideas for William
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name William mean?
William is a boy name of Germanic origin meaning "Resolute protector." William derives from the Old Germanic name Willahelm, composed of "wil" (will, desire) and "helm" (helmet, protection). The name was brought to England by William the Conqueror after the Norman invasion of 1066, and it quickly became the most popular name among English royalty and commoners alike.
How do you pronounce William?
William is pronounced WIL-yum. Common variations include Wilhelm, Guillaume, Guillermo.
Is William a boy name?
Yes, William is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Will, Bill, Billy, Liam.
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