Liam
Liam first appears in US records in 1947. It peaked in 2024, when 22,252 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 20,818.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Liam mean?
Liam is an Irish short form of William, itself from the Germanic Wilhelm — wil (will, desire) plus helm (helmet, protection) — giving the sense “resolute protector” or “strong-willed guardian.”
Nicknames for Liam
Variants & spellings
- William
- Uilliam
Names like Liam
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Liam mean?
Liam means Resolute protector. Liam is an Irish short form of William, itself from the Germanic Wilhelm — wil (will, desire) plus helm (helmet, protection) — giving the sense “resolute protector” or “strong-willed guardian.”
What is the origin of the name Liam?
Liam is of Irish origin.
How do you pronounce Liam?
Liam is pronounced “LEE-am.”
Is Liam a boy or a girl name?
Liam is most commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Liam?
In 2025, Liam ranked #1 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Liam most popular?
Liam was most popular in 2024, when about 22,252 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Liam?
Common nicknames for Liam include Li.