All about the name

Wiliam

Male

« William is a Germanic given name that means 'strong-willed warrior' or 'resolute protection'. »

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Meaning, origin, history

William is a popular male given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old German words "wil" meaning "will" or "desire," and "helm" meaning "helmet" or "protection." Thus, the name William means "strong-willed warrior" or "resolute protection." The name William has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It was introduced into England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066. The first recorded use of the name in England is found in the Domesday Book, a great survey of England completed in 1086, where it appears as Willelmus. The name William gained further popularity during the reign of William the Conqueror (also known as William I), who was the first Norman king of England. He ruled from 1066 until his death in 1087 and is famous for his role in the Battle of Hastings. The name has since been associated with various significant historical figures, including William II Rufus (William the Red), William III of Orange, and William IV of the United Kingdom. Throughout its history, the name William has had numerous variations and nickname forms. Some popular variants include Willie, Willy, Liam, Bill, Will, and Willis. It has also inspired many place names, such as Williamsburg in Virginia and Williamsport in Pennsylvania. In recent years, William has remained a popular choice for parents naming their sons, ranking among the top 500 boy's names in the United States according to the Social Security Administration's data from 2019. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its strong, traditional sound and its association with historical figures of importance. In summary, William is a Germanic given name meaning "strong-willed warrior" or "resolute protection." It has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages and has been associated with numerous significant historical figures throughout its existence. Today, it remains a popular choice for parents naming their sons due to its strong, traditional sound and enduring appeal.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Wiliam since 1880

Total births
1,229
Total since 1880
Peak year
1982
28 births
in 2023
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-2%
vs previous 5 years