| William | Robert | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Resolute protector | Bright fame |
| Origin | Germanic | Germanic |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | WIL-yum | ROB-ert |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1880 | 1880 |
| Peak year | 1947 (67,002) | 1947 (91,655) |
| In 2025 | 10,545 | 3,772 |
| Trend | Declining | Declining |
Source: US Social Security Administration.
| Decade | William | Robert |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 68,067 | 24,325 |
| 2010s | 159,981 | 62,654 |
| 2000s | 194,415 | 106,666 |
| 1990s | 217,822 | 205,459 |
| 1980s | 248,277 | 321,655 |
| 1970s | 283,401 | 397,225 |
| 1960s | 421,433 | 650,786 |
| 1950s | 591,228 | 830,395 |
| 1940s | 556,478 | 758,126 |
| 1930s | 416,730 | 590,810 |
| 1920s | 512,402 | 576,374 |
| 1910s | 303,017 | 239,185 |
| 1900s | 69,320 | 35,849 |
| 1890s | 72,244 | 26,147 |
| 1880s | 84,881 | 24,074 |
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.
Robert is a Germanic name from hrod (“fame”) and beraht (“bright”), so “bright fame.” A Norman favourite, it was borne by the Scottish hero-king Robert the Bruce.
William is more popular than Robert today: about 10,545 US babies were given the name William in 2025, compared with 3,772 named Robert.
William means Resolute protector (Germanic origin), while Robert means Bright fame (Germanic origin).
In US records, William first appears in 1880 and Robert in 1880, so William has the longer recorded history.