William: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced WIL-yum · 2 syllables
William means “resolute protector”, from Germanic.
From Middle English William, from Anglo-Norman Willame, from Old High German Willahelm, from Proto-Germanic *Wiljahelmaz (> Latin Gulielmus), from Proto-Germanic *wiljo (“will”) + *helmaz (“helmet”), ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European roots *welh1- (“to choose, wish, want”) and *kel- (“to cover, conceal, save”) respectively.
- Meaning
- resolute protector
- Origin
- Germanic
- Pronunciation
- WIL-yum
- US rank (2025)
- #9
- US babies a year
- about 11,100 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1880
- Style
- Vintage, Classic
- Nicknames
- Bill, Billy, Will, Willie
How popular is William?
William was the #9 name in the US in 2025, given to 10,552 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 34% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1880.
Most popular in Alabama (#2), Mississippi (#2), Georgia (#3), Montana (#3), South Carolina (#3), Wyoming (#3), North Carolina (#4), Washington, DC (#5).
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #9 |
| England & Wales | #20 |
| Scotland | #36 |
| Northern Ireland | #68 |
| Ireland | #76 |
| France | #120 |
| Norway | #3 |
| Canada | #4 |
| Australia | #10 |
How old are people named William?
Half of US adults named William are older than 60; most are between 23 and 85. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for William
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named William have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like William
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about William
What does the name William mean?
William means “resolute protector”. It comes from Germanic.
How do you pronounce William?
William is pronounced WIL-yum.
How popular is the name William?
William was the #9 name in the US in 2025, given to 10,552 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 34% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1880.
How old are people named William?
Half of US adults named William are older than 60. Most are between 23 and 85.