William
Meaning: Resolute protector; strong-willed helmet
Origin: Old Germanic Willahelm — from wil (will, desire) + helm (helmet, protection)
Gender: Boy
Rank in Sweden: #1
Total births: 23,630
History: William has dominated Swedish naming since the 2000s, claiming the #1 spot for multiple years. The name connects to Sweden's royal heritage — Crown Princess Victoria named her son Oscar, but William carries its own royal weight through Prince William of the UK, beloved across Scandinavia. In Sweden, the name blends British royal prestige with the Germanic 'will-helmet' meaning. William represents the era when Swedish parents embraced international names while maintaining Scandinavian identity.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Sweden’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2022) | #2 |
| Babies named William in 2022 | 674 |
| Total recorded in Sweden | 23,630 |
| Peak year | 2004 (1,238 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #1 |
| Years in records | 1998–2022 (25 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 1 spot |
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 in Sweden?
William ranked #2 in Sweden in 2022 — given to 674 babies that year.
When was William most popular?
William peaked in 2004 with 1,238 babies registered that year in Sweden.
Is William a boy or girl name?
William is predominantly a boys' name in Sweden — over 90% of Williams in registered births are male.
How long has William been recorded in Sweden?
William appears in birth records in Sweden across 25 years — from 1998 through 2022.