All about the name

Willam

Male

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

#16300 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

William is a masculine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German name Wilhelm, which consists of two elements: "wil" meaning "will" or "desire", and "helm" meaning "helmet". Thus, William can be translated to mean "resolute protection" or "strong-willed warrior". The name William has a rich history, tracing back to the Middle Ages in Europe. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was William I, also known as William the Conqueror, who invaded England in 1066 and became its king after defeating Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings. Throughout history, many notable figures have borne the name William, including William Shakespeare, the renowned English playwright and poet; William Blake, an influential English poet, painter, and printmaker; and William Wordsworth, a major English Romantic poet. Additionally, several monarchs across Europe have carried this name, such as William III of England and William IV of the United Kingdom. In contemporary times, William remains a popular choice for a boy's name in many countries around the world. It has been consistently ranked among the top 500 baby names in the United States since the early 20th century, according to data from the Social Security Administration. Overall, the name William offers a strong and historic legacy with its Germanic origins and enduring popularity throughout history. Its meaning of "resolute protection" or "strong-willed warrior" further contributes to its appeal for parents seeking a timeless and meaningful name for their sons.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Willam since 1880

Total births
3,506
Total since 1880
Peak year
1959
77 births
in 2022
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-61%
vs previous 5 years