Overview
William ranks sixth in the top 10 baby boy names of 2021 in the US, according to the SSA (Social Security Administration). You might ask, “What’s the William name meaning, and why is it popular?” (1)
“William” is a warrior name that means “resolute protector” or “strong-willed warrior.”
This name has a German origin but is popular in the US and worldwide. It’s even used as a place name for a luxury hotel, The William Vale, in New York.
You might also be curious whether William is a biblical name (like Daniel and James), if it’s a powerful name, and what matching names to choose for your baby.
Continue reading to learn more.
William Name Meaning: More Information
Name Origin Of William
This classic boy name comes from the German name “Wilhelm,” composed of the Germanic elements:
- “wil,” which means “will” or “desire”
- “helm,” which “helmet” or “protection”
Pronunciation
- “WIL-lee-yahm”
What’s the Gender Of A William?
It’s primarily used as a boy name with variations as a girl name (e.g., “Wilhelmina”) or a gender-neutral name (such as “Billie” or “Willie”).
Is William A Strong & Powerful Name?
Yes. William is a powerful name. It’s associated with many famous people, including rulers, conquerors, and brilliant minds (e.g., writers, poets, etc.).
For example, it’s the name of William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy, France. During the period known as the Norman Conquest, he sailed across the channel and became the first Norman king of England. (2)
There have been five kings of England named William. The the British royal family’s current heir, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, might also use his given name as his regnal name* when he inherits the throne.
*Formal name of a monarch or pope during their reign (different or the same as their given name)
US Stats: Is The Name William Popular?
Yes. William currently ranks sixth in the US top 10 most popular baby names (boys) in 2021. (1)
William also appears to be popular in other countries. For example, while it isn’t a Norwegian name, it ranks as the #10 most popular name for boys in Norway (also in 2021). (3)
“Liam,” an Irish boy name and a variant of “William,” ranked #1 most popular boy name in the US for the same year.
William Popularity Trend Over The Years
Since the year 2000, this classic name has remained in the top 10 baby names in the US (sometimes in #11 but never lower), according to the SSA. (4)
William also ranks sixth in the most popular boy names of the century, based on SSA data from 1922 to 2021. (5)
William Popularity In US States
Name trends vary, yet William remains a favorite across the US.
For example, based on SSA data for 2021, “William” is #1 in the following states: (6)
- Alabama
- Mississippi
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
“Liam” is in the top 5 for all the states, while “William” is also found in many of these places. (6)
FAQs About William Name Meaning
What’s The Biblical Meaning Of William?
It isn’t a biblical boy name and doesn’t have a biblical meaning.
How Many Williams Are In The Bible?
None. This German boy name isn’t mentioned in the Bible.
What Does William Mean In Hebrew?
“Velvel” is believed to be the closest name to “William” in Hebrew or Yiddish (West Germanic language used by the Jewish people).
However, “Velvel” means “wolf,” not “resolute protector” or “strong-willed warrior.”
What’s The Personality Of A William?
Because the name is linked to many kings of England and other powerful rulers, a William might be viewed as a strong, smart, and confident person.
Is William A Cool & Hip Name For My Baby?
William is a vintage, old-fashioned boy name that remains a cool choice for babies. Still, many parents also choose “Liam” or other modern-sounding variants like “Billy.”
Is William A Royal First Or Last Name?
Rules vary in different monarchies, but for the British Royal family, “William” is a royal first name because the royals don’t usually use last names (surnames). But when they do, the last name is usually their royal house (e.g., Prince William’s real last name is “Mountbatten-Windsor”), not a regular last name.
William Name Variations
Boy Name Variations
- Guglielmo (Italian name)
- Guillaume (French name)
- Guilherme (Portuguese)
- Guillermo (Spanish)
- Gwilym (Welsh)
- Liam (Irish name)
- Uilyam (Russian name)
- Velvel (Hebrew and Yiddish)
- Vilek (Czech)
- Viliam (Norwegian name)
- Viliamu (Samoan, a Polynesian language)
- Viljo (Finnish)
- Vilko (Czech)
- Villiam (Nordic and Scandinavian)
- Vilyam (Turkish)
- Wallam (Persian)
- Welfel (Yiddish)
- Whilliam (Swedish, language in Sweden)
- Wilhelm (German, Swedish, and Polish name)
- Wilhelmus (Low German)
- Wiljam (Finnish and Norwegian)
- Willem (Dutch, language in the Netherlands)
- Willian (English)
- Willum (Scottish)
Girl Name Variations
- Willa (English and German girl name)
- Willamette (French girl name)
- Wilma (Scottish, Swedish, and German)
- Wilhelmina (Dutch, German, and Yiddish)
Unisex Name Variations
- Billie
- Willie
What Are The Nicknames & Short Names For William?
- Bill
- Billy
- Gill
- Guille
- Liam
- Will
- Willie
- Willy
- Wim
Names You Can Pair With William
Middle Names For Boys
- Anthony
- Henry
- Nicholas
- Oliver
- Rafael
Suggested Sibling Or Twin Names
- Abigail
- Alexander
- Andrew
- Beatrice
- Benjamin
- Catherine
- Charlotte
- Edward
- Elizabeth
- Hannah
- Isabella
- Joseph
- Matthew
- Michael
- Olivia
- Richard
- Samantha
- Sophia
Rhyming Or Similar Names
- Statham
- Wickam
- Wolfram
- Wyndham
Other Names For Boys That Start with W
- Wendel
- Wesley
- Whistler
- Wilfred
- Winston
- Wyatt
Famous People & Celebrities Named William & Related Names
Famous Williams
- Prince William – Duke of Cambridge and England’s crown prince
- William Faulkner – American fiction writer
- William Shakespeare – English playwright
- William Shatner – “Star Trek” actor
- William the Conqueror – First Norman monarch of England
- William Wordsworth – English poet
Famous Will & Will-Related Names
- Will Arnett – Canadian-American actor
- Will Smith – Rapper, actor, and movie star
Famous Bill, Billy, & Other Bill-Related Names
- Bill Gates III – Microsoft co-founder
- Bill Murray – American comedian
- Bill Nye – American TV presenter known as “The Science Guy”
- Billie Eilish – American singer-songwriter
- Billie Joe Armstrong – American musician
- Billy Joel – American singer and pianist
- Billy Idol – English musician and actor
- President Bill Clinton – Former US president
Williams In Pop Culture Other & Fantasy Characters
- William “Will” Byers – Main character in “Stranger Things”
- Will Turner – Character in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series
- William Thatcher – Protagonist in “A Knight’s Tale”
William In Songs
- “Ballad of William Worthy”
- “Billy, Don’t Be A Hero”
- “William, It Was Really Nothing”
Name Lists With “William” On Motherhood Community
- Classic boy names
- Cute boy names
- Boy names that start with W
- Middle names for boys
- Nature names
- Powerful boy names
- Twin boy names
Other Baby Name Meanings
- Andrew name meaning
- Daniel name meaning
- Jack name meaning
- James name meaning
- Rose name meaning
- What does the name Emma mean?
Other Baby Name Lists
- Country boy names
- Black girl names
- Male Greek god names
- Girl names starting with K
- Mexican boy names
- Mexican girl names
- Unique baby girl names
- Middle names for girls
- Black boy names
- Greek gods and goddesses
- One-syllable girl names
References
(1) https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/index.html
(2) https://www.britannica.com/biography/William-I-king-of-England
(3) https://www.ssb.no/en/befolkning/navn/statistikk/navn
(4) https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/index.html
(5) https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/decades/century.html
(6) https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/state/top5_2021.html
