William
William is a boys' name of German origin meaning “resolute protector, strong-willed warrior.” It ranked #4 in the United States in 2025. One of the most enduring names in English history, introduced to England by William the Conqueror in 1066.
how do you pronounce William?
WIL-yum
Hear it spoken aloud with our AI pronunciation tool.
what does William mean?
The name William means “resolute protector, strong-willed warrior.” It comes from the German language tradition.
One of the most enduring names in English history, introduced to England by William the Conqueror in 1066. It has been borne by four British kings, multiple US presidents, and countless notable figures.
where does the name William come from?
From the Germanic wil, meaning will or desire, joined to helm, meaning helmet or protection. The compound reads as resolute protector, and it is one of the clearest surviving examples of the Germanic habit of building names from two martial elements.
the history of William
William the Conqueror carried the name to England in 1066, and within a century it had become the most common male name in the country — at some points borne by a fifth of all recorded men. Four British kings, Shakespeare, and more recently Prince William have kept it in view, and it has not left the American top twenty since 1900, bottoming out at exactly twentieth in the 1990s before climbing again.
how popular is this name?
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2024 | #4 |
| 2023 | #4 |
| 2022 | #5 |
| 2021 | #5 |
| 2020 | #5 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset
what are the nicknames and variants of William?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
who are famous people named William?
- Prince William (Duke of Wales)
- William Shakespeare (playwright)
- William Faulkner (novelist)
- William James (philosopher)
what names are similar to William?
what names go well with William?
Sibling names that share William's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
Last reviewed April 30, 2026 · Curated by HushName editorial
love William? get 10 more names curated for your family.
Popularity rankings and meanings are just the starting point. Our AI consultant finds names that match your heritage, style, and what matters most to you.
Completely free. No credit card required.
start free consultation