What does Guillaume mean and where does it come from?
Guillaume is the French form of the name William, which is of Germanic origin. The name's components are 'wil' meaning 'will or desire' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet or protection'. It has been popular in France since the Middle Ages, partly due to the fame of William the Conqueror (Guillaume le Conqué
Cultural significance
Guillaume has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of resolute protector.
Peak popularity
Reached #3662 in 1997 — currently #1023 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Guillaume?
Guillaume works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Guillaume Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Guillaume Rose
Floral · soft ending
Guillaume Mae
Sweet · timeless
Guillaume Claire
French influence · crisp
Guillaume Jane
Literary · strong
Guillaume Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Guillaume right now?
Holding steady — currently #1023 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1023 | 1,177 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1028 | 1,157 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1033 | 1,127 | ▲ up 7977 · +13988% births |
| 2010 | #9010 | 8 | ▼ down 2242 · -27% births |
| 2005 | #6768 | 11 | ▲ up 2679 · +83% births |
| 2000 | #9447 | 6 | ▼ down 2828 · -25% births |
| 1995 | #6619 | 8 | ▼ down 1802 · -27% births |
| 1990 | #4817 | 11 | ▼ down 61 · +38% births |
| 1980 | #4756 | 8 | ▲ up 462 · +33% births |
| 1975 | #5218 | 6 | — |
The story of Guillaume
Guillaume is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1967. With 325 total births recorded, Guillaume remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5218 in 1975 to #1023 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Guillaume in 1997:
Guillaume by decade
Guillaume peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 29 | |
| 1980s | 77 | |
| 1990s ★ | 113 | |
| 2000s | 69 | |
| 2010s | 32 | |
💎Guillaume has only 325 total recorded births since 1967 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Guillaume?
ENGLISH
BillBillieBillyLiamWilWillWillieWilly
What names sound and feel like Guillaume?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Guillaume also consider these
How is Guillaume written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Guillaume?
Common questions about the name Guillaume
What does the name Guillaume mean?
Guillaume means "Resolute protector" — a name rooted in France 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 Guillaume?
Guillaume is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Guillaume?
Guillaume originates from France tradition. France 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 Guillaume?
Guillaume is a two-syllable name pronounced G IH2 L AW1 M. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Guillaume a common or rare name?
Guillaume is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.