William
English · Boy · 2 syllables
Popularity & facts
Relative popularity index, 2010–2025Popularity over time
Popularity indexHistorical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data
About the name William
William derives from the Germanic elements "wil" (desire, will) and "helm" (helmet, protection), literally meaning "resolute protector" or "determined guardian." The name has Germanic and Norman roots, becoming widespread throughout English-speaking and European cultures following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 under William the Conqueror.
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Etymology
William derives from the Germanic elements "wil" (desire, will) and "helm" (helmet, protection), literally meaning "resolute protector" or "determined guardian." The name has Germanic and Norman roots, becoming widespread throughout English-speaking and European cultures following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 under William the Conqueror.
William currently ranks #9 in the United States as a boy's name. It reached its peak popularity around 1947.
Variants & nicknames
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Sibling name ideas
English names that sit beautifully beside WilliamSimilar names you might like
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Names that sound like William
Phonetic match, not just spelling"Wilma is a feminine name meaning "resolute protector" or "determined will," derived from the Germanic elements "wil" (will, desire) and…"
"Willem means "resolute protector" and derives from the Germanic elements "wil" (will, desire) and "helm" (helmet, protection), making it the…"
"Waylon is an English surname-turned-given name derived from the Old English elements "weg" (way/road) and "lān" (lane), literally meaning "dweller…"
"The given name 'Wilhelm' is derived from the Germanic words 'wil' meaning "will" or "desire" and 'helm' meaning "helmet" or…"
"Wilhelmina is the feminine form of Wilhelm, derived from the Germanic elements "wil" (will, desire) and "helm" (helmet, protection), meaning…"
"The given name 'Willemina' is derived from the Germanic words 'will' meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'helmina' or 'helmina', a…"
"The given name 'William' is derived from the Old High German name 'Wilhelm', composed of 'wil' meaning 'will' or 'desire'…"
"Willian is a variant spelling of William, derived from the Germanic elements "wil" (desire, will) and "helm" (helmet, protection), meaning…"
"Williamina is the feminine form of William, derived from the Germanic elements "wil" (desire, will) and "helm" (helmet, protection), meaning…"
"Willyan is a variant spelling of William, derived from the Germanic elements "wil" (will, desire) and "helm" (helmet, protection), meaning…"
"Willum is a variant of William, meaning "resolute protector" from the Old High German elements *willio* (will, desire) and *helm*…"
"The given name 'Waylen' is derived from the Old English words 'weal' meaning 'foreigner' or 'stranger' and 'len' meaning 'peace'…"