William
William first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1947, when 67,002 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 10,545.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is William popular?
Declining William is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1947 peak.
| 2020s | 68,067 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 159,981 | |
| 2000s | 194,415 | |
| 1990s | 217,822 | |
| 1980s | 248,277 | |
| 1970s | 283,401 | |
| 1960s | 421,433 | |
| 1950s | 591,228 | |
| 1940s | 556,478 | |
| 1930s | 416,730 | |
| 1920s | 512,402 | |
| 1910s | 303,017 | |
| 1900s | 69,320 | |
| 1890s | 72,244 | |
| 1880s | 84,881 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does William mean?
William is a Germanic name meaning “resolute protector,” from wil (“will, desire”) and helm (“helmet, protection”). William the Conqueror brought it to England in 1066, and it has been a royal staple ever since.
Nicknames for William
- Will
- Bill
- Billy
- Liam
- Willie
Variants & spellings
- Wilhelm
- Guillaume
- Guillermo
Names like William
Germanic names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with William
Popular Germanic names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare William
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name William mean?
William means Resolute protector. William is a Germanic name meaning “resolute protector,” from wil (“will, desire”) and helm (“helmet, protection”). William the Conqueror brought it to England in 1066, and it has been a royal staple ever since.
What is the origin of the name William?
William is of Germanic origin.
How do you pronounce William?
William is pronounced “WIL-yum.”
Is William a boy or a girl name?
William is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is William a popular name right now?
William is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1947 peak.
How popular is the name William?
In 2025, William ranked #9 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name William most popular?
William was most popular in 1947, when about 67,002 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for William?
Common nicknames for William include Will, Bill, Billy, Liam, Willie.
What names are similar to William?
Names similar to William include Liam, Henry, Edward, George.
What names go well with William?
Germanic names that pair well with William include Robert, Charles, Emma, Walter, Amelia.