William
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Resolute protector; strong-willed helmet
Origin: Old Germanic Willahelm — from wil (will, desire) + helm (helmet, protection)
Popularity: Ranked #9 in 2025 with 10,545 babies born.
History: William arrived in England with William the Conqueror in 1066 and never looked back. For centuries it was the most common male name in the English-speaking world. It has been borne by four British kings, three U.S. presidents, Shakespeare himself, and William Wordsworth. The name dipped slightly in the 1990s but roared back, and today Will, Liam, Bill, and Billy all keep it alive across generations. It is simultaneously royal, literary, and down-to-earth.
Famous people named William: Prince William (British royal), William Shakespeare (playwright), Will Smith (actor), William Faulkner (author)
Name length: 7 letters
How common is William? About 1 in 315 babies born in 2025 were named William, or roughly 28.9 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about William
What does the name William mean?
William means “Resolute protector; strong-willed helmet” from Old Germanic Willahelm — from wil (will, desire) + helm (helmet, protection) roots.
What is the origin of the name William?
William has Old Germanic Willahelm — from wil (will, desire) + helm (helmet, protection) origin. The traditional meaning is “Resolute protector; strong-willed helmet”.
How popular is William?
William ranked #9 in 2025 — given to 10,545 babies that year.
When was William most popular?
William peaked in 1947 with 67,001 babies registered that year.
Is William a boy or girl name?
William is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Williams in registered births are male.
Is the name William rising or falling in popularity?
William has risen 7549 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #7558 in 2020 to #9 in 2025.
How long has William been recorded?
William appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.