📅 Since 1880🏆 141 years in top 1008.63% of births at peak
How to pronounce William
wull·EE·um
/wəll.ˈiː.əm/ · stress on EE · 3 syllables
“Resolute protector”
English origin · Boy name
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.
Holding steady — currently #10 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1880–2023#10 · Top 0.01%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
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
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Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for William
1900Rank #2
60,689
#7
↘Falling
1900 - 202328 years
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.
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.
Sibling names that pair with William
For a sister
William & Alice♡
William & Cora♡
William & Daisy♡
William & Eliza♡
For a brother
William & Samuel♡
William & Cora♡
William & Daisy♡
William & Eliza♡
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Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#10
🇬🇧 UK
—
🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
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