What does Bill mean and where does it come from?
Bill is commonly understood as a diminutive of William. Traditionally masculine, its usage as a female name is rather unconventional but can still be found. The name William (from the Germanic Willahelm) means 'resolute protector.' Its use for females may be inspired by cultural shifts and the embra
Cultural significance
Bill has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of resolute protector.
Peak popularity
Reached #1244 in 1932 — currently #1673 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Bill?
Bill works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bill Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Bill Rose
Floral · soft ending
Bill Claire
French influence · crisp
Bill Jane
Literary · strong
Bill Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Bill right now?
Holding steady — currently #1673 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1673 | 527 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1678 | 507 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1683 | 477 | ▲ up 4714 · +6714% births |
| 1970 | #6397 | 7 | ▼ down 1640 · +17% births |
| 1950 | #4757 | 6 | ▼ down 1346 · -25% births |
| 1945 | #3411 | 8 | ▼ down 816 · -27% births |
| 1940 | #2595 | 11 | ▼ down 139 · -8% births |
| 1935 | #2456 | 12 | ▼ down 877 · -52% births |
| 1930 | #1579 | 25 | ▲ up 456 · +32% births |
| 1925 | #2035 | 19 | ▲ up 58 · +6% births |
| 1920 | #2093 | 18 | ▼ down 30 · +20% births |
| 1915 | #2063 | 15 | ▲ up 361 · +200% births |
| 1910 | #2424 | 5 | — |
The story of Bill
Bill entered American naming records in 1908 and has been in use for over 116 years. More than 161,088 babies have been named Bill since 1908. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2424 in 1910 to #1673 in 2023. Bill is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Bill in 1932:
Bill by decade
Bill peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 600 | |
| 1890s | 789 | |
| 1900s | 1,523 | |
| 1910s | 6,711 | |
| 1920s | 22,499 | |
| 1930s | 32,516 | |
| 1940s ★ | 37,849 | |
| 1950s | 23,911 | |
| 1960s | 25,194 | |
| 1970s | 5,227 | |
| 1980s | 1,821 | |
| 1990s | 1,153 | |
| 2000s | 845 | |
| 2010s | 421 | |
| 2020s | 29 | |
What are good nicknames for Bill?
MEDIEVAL ENGLISH
WilkinWilky
What names sound and feel like Bill?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bill also consider these
How is Bill written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Bill
What does the name Bill mean?
Bill means "resolute protector" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Bill?
Bill is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Bill?
Bill originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Bill?
Bill is a one-syllable name pronounced B IH1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Bill sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Bill flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Bill ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.