William

Q: Is William a popular name?

William is considered a common name, and its popularity trend is classic.

Also spelled: Guillaume (French), Wilhelm (German), Guglielmo (Italian), Guillermo (Spanish), Vilhelm (Scandinavian)

Pronunciation: WIL-yəm

♂ Male

Old Germanic, Old French

Appears in:

Vintage Names

Meaning

Resolute protector

Origin

Germanic

About William

William carries the weight of history and the charm of enduring popularity, a name that feels both regal and warmly familiar. Stemming from Old Germanic roots meaning "resolute protector," it’s a choice that speaks to strength and steadfastness without ever feeling overly severe. This is a name for parents who appreciate a classic that has graced kings, poets, and everyday heroes alike, yet still manages to feel fresh. Unlike many historical names, William has never truly faded from the spotlight, maintaining a consistent presence across centuries and continents. Its remarkable ability to adapt, from medieval courts to modern playgrounds, makes it a truly versatile and timeless option.

Quick Facts

- Phonetic spelling: WIL-yəm - Origin: Old Germanic, Old French - Popular in: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Ireland - Nicknames: Guillaume, Wilhelm, Guglielmo, Guillermo, Vilhelm

Popularity & Trends

Rarity:

Common

Trend:Classic

Peak decade:1900s

Era:Medieval, Renaissance, Victorian, Contemporary

Popular in:United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden

Popularity Trends

Popular in these states (2024)

William ranks in the top 10 in 15 US states.

District of Columbia#7

Nebraska#7

Missouri#7

Kentucky#8

Is William Right for Your Baby?

William is a Strong, Classic, Royal name for boys that suits parents looking for something classic and well-established. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

Syllables2

LengthLong

International UseGlobal

PronunciationEasy

Regions Where William Is Used

Anglo-Saxon / British

Romance / Latin

Germanic

Name Vibe

Strong

Classic

Royal

Famous People Named William

William Shakespeare (English playwright)
William the Conqueror (First Norman King of England)
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (British royal)
William Butler Yeats (Irish poet)
William Faulkner (American novelist)

Nicknames & Short Forms

Will

Bill

Billy

Liam

Will
Bill
Liam

William in different fonts

WilliamDancing Script

WilliamCaveat

WilliamSatisfy

WilliamPacifico

WilliamGreat Vibes

Sibling Name Style

If you like William, you might also like names with these styles:

Classic

Traditional

Royal

Found in these lists

Saint Kitts and Nevis Boy Names

Irish & Celtic Names

Traditional British Names

Norwegian Names

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Boy Names

Sibling Names

Twin Baby Names

Traditional Saint Kitts and Nevis Names

Millennial Names

Frequently Asked Questions About William

What does the name William mean?

William means "resolute protector," originating from Old Germanic and Old French roots, conveying a sense of strength and steadfastness.

Is William a popular name?

Yes, William is a consistently popular name, especially in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.

What does William mean?

William means "Resolute protector". It is derived from Germanic.

What is the origin of William?

William originates from Old Germanic, Old French. Its cultural origin is Germanic.

Is William a male or female name?

William is a male name.

How do you pronounce William?

William is pronounced "WIL-yəm".

What language does William come from?

William comes from Old Germanic, Old French.

What are variants of William?

Variants of William include Guillaume (French), Wilhelm (German), Guglielmo (Italian), Guillermo (Spanish), Vilhelm (Scandinavian).

What are nicknames for William?

Common nicknames for William include Will, Bill, Billy, Liam.

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