What does William mean and where does it come from?
Though primarily a male name, William has been used for females, often as a unisex name or in its more feminine forms like 'Willow.' Originating from the Old Germanic name 'Wilhelm,' meaning 'resolute protector,' its popularity soared in medieval Europe and continues today through royal references (
Cultural significance
William has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of resolute protector.
Peak popularity
Reached #2 in 1880 — currently #10 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell William?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with William?
William works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
William Grace
Most popular combo · classic
William Rose
Floral · soft ending
William Mae
Sweet · timeless
William Claire
French influence · crisp
William Jane
Literary · strong
William Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is William right now?
Holding steady — currently #10 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #10 | 10,653 | ▼ down 4 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #6 | 11,349 | stable · -7% births |
| 2021 | #6 | 12,166 | ▼ down 1 · -3% births |
| 2020 | #5 | 12,541 | stable · -21% births |
| 2015 | #5 | 15,909 | stable · -7% births |
| 2010 | #5 | 17,051 | ▲ up 6 · -11% births |
| 2005 | #11 | 19,052 | stable · -8% births |
| 2000 | #11 | 20,661 | ▲ up 9 · +3% births |
| 1995 | #20 | 20,157 | ▼ down 4 · -19% births |
| 1990 | #16 | 24,895 | stable · +1% births |
| 1985 | #16 | 24,606 | ▼ down 2 · -4% births |
| 1980 | #14 | 25,654 | ▼ down 4 |
| 1975 | #10 | 25,572 | ▼ down 3 · -34% births |
| 1970 | #7 | 38,910 | ▼ down 1 · -3% births |
| 1965 | #6 | 40,127 | — |
The story of William
William has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #2 in 1880, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 4159K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. William is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside William in 1880:
William by decade
William peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 85,246 | |
| 1890s | 72,618 | |
| 1900s | 69,645 | |
| 1910s | 304,153 | |
| 1920s | 515,056 | |
| 1930s | 418,577 | |
| 1940s | 557,920 | |
| 1950s ★ | 592,476 | |
| 1960s | 423,295 | |
| 1970s | 285,414 | |
| 1980s | 249,985 | |
| 1990s | 218,224 | |
| 2000s | 194,655 | |
| 2010s | 159,674 | |
| 2020s | 12,554 | |
What are good nicknames for William?
ENGLISH
BillBillieBillyLiamWilWillWillieWilly
Famous people named William
PW
Prince William
Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne, son of King Charles III
WS
William Shakespeare
The greatest writer in the English language, author of Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet
Wt
William the Conqueror
First Norman king of England whose 1066 conquest transformed English language and culture forever
RW
Robin Williams
Beloved American comedian and actor who won an Academy Award for Good Will Hunting
WF
William Faulkner
Nobel Prize-winning American author known for The Sound and the Fury and As I Lay Dying
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like William?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love William also consider these
How is William written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of William?
Common questions about the name William
What does the name William mean?
William 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 William?
William is currently ranked #10 in the United States 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 William?
William 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 William?
William is a three-syllable name pronounced W AH0 L L IY1 AH0 M. 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 William?
William pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.