All about the name

Willilam

Male

« The name William originates from Old German words 'wil', meaning will or desire, and 'helm', meaning helmet or protection, translating to resolute protection or strong-willed warrior. »

#27432 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

William is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German words "wil" meaning "will" or "desire," and "helm" which means "helmet" or "protection." Therefore, the name William translates to "resolute protection" or "strong-willed warrior." The name William has been popular throughout history, with several notable figures bearing this name. One of the most famous is William the Conqueror, also known as William I, who was the first Norman King of England, reigning from 1066 to 1087. His conquest of England led to the construction of the iconic Windsor Castle and the building of the Tower of London. Another significant figure named William was William Shakespeare, the renowned English playwright and poet from the 16th century. His works are celebrated as some of the greatest in literature, with his plays including "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Romeo and Juliet." In more recent times, William has been a popular choice for royal babies. Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge and second-in-line to the British throne, was born William Arthur Philip Louis in 1982. He married Catherine Middleton in 2011, and they have three children together: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Overall, William is a strong and enduring name with a rich history spanning centuries and cultures. Its meaning of "resolute protection" or "strong-willed warrior" has likely contributed to its popularity among parents seeking a powerful and meaningful name for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Willilam since 1880

Total births
22
Total since 1880
Peak year
1973
6 births
in 1988
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years