The name Uilliam is of Scottish origin and means "resolute protection." It is a variant spelling of the more common William, which itself has Germanic roots through Old English and Middle English forms such as Wilhelm and Wilhelmus.
Uilliam was popularized during the Middle Ages when it was introduced to Scotland by Norman nobles who brought their own versions of Germanic names with them. Over time, these names evolved under Scottish influence, leading to variants like Uilliam.
Despite its Scottish origins, Uilliam can be found in various parts of the world today due to historical migrations and global cultural exchange. It is not one of the most common names globally, but it has been recorded in countries such as England, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and the United States among others.
One notable figure with this name was Scottish poet Uilliam McGonagall (1825-1902), who became known for his humorous verse despite being considered by some critics to be one of the worst poets in British history. However, his work has since been reevaluated and is now appreciated for its unique qualities.
In conclusion, Uilliam is an uncommon yet historically significant name with roots tracing back to medieval Scotland. Its meaning, "resolute protection," reflects strength and determination, while its origins provide insight into the cultural exchanges between different regions throughout history.
The name Uilliam has seen some fluctuations in popularity over the years with a total of 47 births recorded between 2013 and 2023. The highest number of births occurred in 2018, with 11 newborns sharing this unique name.