What does Guilherme mean and where does it come from?
Guilherme is the Portuguese form of the name William. The name is derived from the Old High German 'Willahelm', meaning resolute protector. It has been a popular name in Portugal and Brazil, with various notable figures such as Guilherme de Almeida, a famous Brazilian poet. This name has historical
Cultural significance
Guilherme has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Portugal-speaking communities, where it reflects values of will helmet.
Peak popularity
Reached #2895 in 2006 — currently #10160 in the US.
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Related Reading
Portugal-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Guilherme?
Guilherme works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Guilherme Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Guilherme Rose
Floral · soft ending
Guilherme Mae
Sweet · timeless
Guilherme Claire
French influence · crisp
Guilherme Jane
Literary · strong
Guilherme Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Guilherme right now?
Falling — down 2372 spots — currently #10160 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #10160 | 7 | ▼ down 2372 · -30% births |
| 2021 | #7788 | 10 | ▼ down 749 · -9% births |
| 2020 | #7039 | 11 | ▼ down 325 · -8% births |
| 2015 | #6714 | 12 | ▼ down 1192 · -25% births |
| 2010 | #5522 | 16 | ▼ down 1793 · -36% births |
| 2005 | #3729 | 25 | ▲ up 1114 · +67% births |
| 2000 | #4843 | 15 | ▲ up 4250 · +200% births |
| 1995 | #9093 | 5 | ▼ down 3133 · -37% births |
| 1990 | #5960 | 8 | — |
The story of Guilherme
Guilherme entered American naming records in 1921 and has been in use for over 103 years. With 492 total births recorded, Guilherme remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5960 in 1990, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10160 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Guilherme in 2006:
Guilherme by decade
Guilherme peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 6 | |
| 1980s | 6 | |
| 1990s | 63 | |
| 2000s ★ | 257 | |
| 2010s | 149 | |
| 2020s | 11 | |
💎Guilherme has only 492 total recorded births since 1921 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Guilherme?
ENGLISH
BillBillieBillyLiamWilWillWillieWilly
What names sound and feel like Guilherme?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Guilherme also consider these
How is Guilherme written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Guilherme?
Common questions about the name Guilherme
What does the name Guilherme mean?
Guilherme means "Will helmet" — a name rooted in Portugal 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 Guilherme?
Guilherme is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Guilherme?
Guilherme originates from Portugal tradition. Portugal 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 Guilherme?
Guilherme is a four-syllable name pronounced G UW1 IH1 L HH ER0 M IY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Guilherme?
Guilherme pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Portugal heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.