Billy is a masculine given name of English origin. It is a diminutive form of the given name William, which means "resolute protection" or "strong-willed warrior." The name Billy has been used for centuries and has been popular in various countries around the world.
The use of Billy as an independent given name began in the Middle Ages when it was used as a pet form of William. It was particularly common among the lower classes, who often used nicknames instead of full names due to illiteracy or simplicity.
In literature, Billy is featured prominently in Mark Twain's classic novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." The main character, Huck Finn, has a friend named Billy Douglas, who plays a significant role in the story. This novel helped popularize the name Billy even further and solidified its place in American culture.
Today, Billy continues to be used as both a given name and a nickname for William. It is often associated with qualities such as strength, courage, and determination due to its connection with the meaning of William. However, it is important to note that people named Billy can possess any number of personality traits or characteristics, just like individuals with any other name.
In conclusion, Billy is an English masculine given name with a long history dating back centuries. Its meaning reflects strength and protection, and it has been popularized through literature and culture throughout the years.
The name Billy has a rich history and significant fluctuations in popularity over the years in the United States. The statistics provided show the annual number of births for boys named Billy from 1880 to 2023.
In the late 19th century, Billy was quite uncommon, with fewer than 10 births per year between 1880 and 1897. However, the turn of the century brought a significant increase in popularity for the name. Between 1900 and 1923, there were consistently over 20 births per year for boys named Billy, with peaks reaching as high as 469 births in 1917.
The 1920s and 1930s marked a period of sustained popularity for Billy. During this time, the number of annual births for Billy consistently exceeded 800, with several years surpassing 9,000 births. The name's peak popularity occurred in 1932, with 9,435 births that year.
However, starting in the late 1930s, there was a gradual decline in the number of boys named Billy. By the mid-1960s, annual births for Billy had fallen below 5,000 per year. This trend continued throughout the remainder of the century and into the early 2000s.
Despite its decline in popularity, Billy has remained a constant presence among baby boy names. Since the late 1970s, there have been at least 300 births for Billy each year in the United States. In recent years, the name's popularity has seen a slight resurgence, with over 250 births per year between 2016 and 2022.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there have been approximately 383,800 boys named Billy born in the United States. This demonstrates the enduring appeal of this classic name, despite its fluctuations in popularity over time.