Willem

A boys’ name of Dutch origin, meaning resolute protector; a form of William.

Babies a year
55
the US, 2017
Rarity
Very rare
among names in use
US popularity
—
outside the top 1000
UK popularity
#3256
6 babies

Willem by the numbers

In 2025, 6 babies in England and Wales were named Willem. In the US, 55 were, though that figure is from 2017, the most recent full year we hold.

For the size of the two countries, it is given noticeably more often in the US than in England and Wales.

Its American peak was 122 babies in 2003, making it a 2000s name.

Other names that come from William

Like Willem, each of these traces back to William: a form of it, a name built from it, or a son or daughter of it. Not always the same sex.

  • Wilsonson of William, resolute protector402 in the US (2017)
  • Billieresolute protector; a form of William331 in England and Wales (2025)
  • Guillermoresolute protector; a form of William287 in the US (2017)
  • Willresolute protector; a form of William237 in the US (2017)
  • Willisresolute protector; a form of William47 in the US (2017)
  • Billresolute protector; a form of William9 in England and Wales (2025)
  • Williamsson of William; resolute protector42 in the US (2017)
  • Willaminaresolute protector; feminine form of William32 in the US (2017)

Spelled almost the same

Other names in the records within a letter or two of Willem. Close spellings are not always related names, but they are usually worth seeing together.

  • Williamresolute protector14,922 in the US (2017)
  • Willowthe willow tree; grace, flexibility1,384 in England and Wales (2025)
  • Wilderwild; untamed; from an occupational surname505 in the US (2017)
  • Willieresolute protector; a form of William286 in the US (2017)
  • Wileywater meadow; willow-lined stream143 in the US (2017)
  • Wilmerresolute and famous; wilful desire and mær renown81 in the US (2017)

Other names that mean a protector

Like Willem, each of these has a protector in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.

  • Liamresolute protector; short form of William18,764 in the US (2017)
  • Alexanderdefender of the people12,488 in the US (2017)
  • Parkerkeeper of the park; park ranger5,833 in the US (2017)
  • Alexisdefender, helper2,847 in the US (2017)
  • Alexdefender, helper; short form of Alexander or Alexis2,766 in the US (2017)
  • Xanderdefender of mankind; short form of Alexander2,403 in the US (2017)

Other names that mean strength

Like Willem, each of these has strength in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.

  • Liamresolute protector; short form of William18,764 in the US (2017)
  • Ethanstrong, enduring12,398 in the US (2017)
  • GabrielGod is my strength9,110 in the US (2017)
  • Aaronmountain of strength; exalted7,185 in the US (2017)
  • Aubreyelf ruler; noble strength6,029 in the US (2017)
  • Emersonson of Emery, brave power3,275 in the US (2017)

Names about as common as Willem

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