Baby Names Boy Names William Name Meaning This classic name is often used as a boy name. Learn more about the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name William. By Vicky Yip Published on June 5, 2024 Fact checked by Haley Mades In This Article View All In This Article How Popular Is the Name William? Name Variations Similar Names Common Nicknames Suggested Sibling Names Famous People Named William Close The name William is a timeless classic with English roots that dates back almost a thousand years yet is still popular today. It means "resolute protector" or "strong-willed warrior" and comes from Wilhelm, of Old German origin. After the name was introduced to England by William the Conqueror at the time of the Conquest, it gained status as a fashionable moniker. Several kings named William have ruled in the British Isles, as well as in other empires. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, is a current member of the British royal family and heir to the British throne. Origin: The name comes from Germanic root Wilhelm, which is composed of the elements wil (will or desire) and helm (helmet or protection).Gender: William is historically the masculine form of the name. Feminine variations include Wilhelmina, Wilma, and Billie.Pronunciation: WIL-lee-yahm Editor's Note Although many baby names are separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It's important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best. How Popular Is the Name William? William is a popular classic name that has endured for centuries. Not only is it commonly used in the English language, but it has its equivalent in other traditions as well. Since 1900, the name William has consistently ranked in the top 20 names for boys in the United States. It has continually been a popular boy name, enjoying top 10 status during the first 75 years of data collection by the Social Security Administration. William started slowly climbing the charts again after that and has been in the top 10 since 2006. In 2022, William was ranked 6th in popularity in the United States. Name Variations There are many variations of the name William in other languages. These include: Guillaume (French) Willum (Scots) Willian, Guilherme (Portuguese) Viliamu (Samoan) Guillermo (Spanish) Liam (Irish) Wilhem (German, Polish, Swedish) Willem, Wilhelmus (Dutch, Low German) Wallam (Persian) Vilyam, Vilyim (Turkish) Similar Names Other boy names with English royal traditions include: CharlesArthurGeorgePhillipAlexanderLouisHenryEdwardRichard Other boy names starting with W: WalterWesleyWalkerWadeWilsonWallaceWinstonWarrenWyattWilmer Common Nicknames Common nicknames for William include: WillWillyWillieBillBillyGuyGillLiam Suggested Sibling Names ElizabethCatherineBeatriceEloiseSarahJamesOliverEdwardVioletNoahJune Famous People Named William Notable Williams range from British kings to American presidents and Hollywood film and television stars. The popularity of the name William in the English language likely began with the invasion of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror, who became the first Norman monarch of England. Now, famous pop culture icons named William use their nicknames professionally, including Billy Idol and Bill Nye the Science Guy. Famous Williams and Wills William Shakespeare, English playwright known as the greatest writer in the English languageWilliam Shatner, actor/director most well-known for role as Captain Kirk in the Star Trek franchisePrince William, Duke of Cambridge and heir to the British throneWill Arnett, Canadian-American actor and Emmy nominee for Arrested Development, BoJack Horseman, and 30 Rockwill.i.am, American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer Famous Bills, Billys, and Billies President Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United StatesBill Murray, American actor, comedian, and writerBill Nye the Science Guy, American mechanical engineer, science communicator, and television presenterBilly Idol, English musician, singer, songwriter, and actorBilly Graham, prominent American evangelist and evangelical Christian figureBilly Ocean, British/Trinidadian recording artist of the 1970s and 1980sBillie Eilish, American singer and songwriter discovered at age 14Billie Joe Armstrong, American musician and lead vocalist of the rock band Green DayBillie Holiday, American jazz singer who influenced the genre More Baby Names Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options: 53 Royal Baby Names 45 Gender-Neutral Baby Names 275 Popular Baby Names for Twins Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Change in Name Popularity. Social Security Administration. n.d.