William

/ WIL-yum /
boyclassicvintageroyalstrong

“resolute protector” — Germanic

#102024 rank
1947peak year
4,049,003babies named William since 1880
▼ 22%5-year trend

William popularity over 145 years

🔥 Very popular now · roughly undefined% girls / NaN% boys in 2024

peak 194718801920196020002024

What does William mean?

From the Germanic Willahelm, combining 'will, desire' with 'helmet, protection'. Carried by William the Conqueror and a long line of kings, a royal and presidential fixture.

OriginGermanic
Syllables2
Genderboy
Styleclassic, vintage

Names like William

Same era, same vibe — if you like William, these usually land on the shortlist too.

Famous Williams

Spellings & variants

WilhelmLiamGuillaume

What do you think of William?

Would you use it for your child?
How does the popularity feel right now?

Not sure yet?

Tell the genie what you like — style, letter, vibe — and it will deal you a fresh hand of names.

Open the name generator 🧞