William
A boys’ name of Germanic origin, meaning resolute protector.
How William has moved
View as table
| Year | US rank |
|---|---|
| 2015 | #5 |
| 2016 | #3 |
| 2017 | #3 |
| 2018 | #3 |
| 2019 | #4 |
| 2020 | #5 |
| 2021 | #6 |
| 2022 | #6 |
| 2023 | #10 |
| 2024 | #10 |
| 2025 | #9 |
William by the numbers
In 2025, 1,456 babies in England and Wales were named William. In the US, 14,922 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 66,986 babies in 1947, so it is a 1940s name that has since fallen a long way.
At its height, in 1880, about 1 in 12 American boys born that year was called William.
Names that come from William
Forms of William in other languages, names built from it, and names that mean 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)
- Willaminaresolute protector; feminine form of William32 in the US (2017)
- Willyresolute protector; a form of William26 in the US (2017)
Spelled almost the same
Other names in the records within a letter or two of William. Close spellings are not always related names, but they are usually worth seeing together.
- Williamsson of William; resolute protector42 in the US (2017)
- Willianresolute protector; a spelling variant of William16 in the US (2017)
- Wiliamresolute protector; a form of William3 in England and Wales (2025)
- Willliamresolute protector; a misspelling of William6 in the US (2017)
- Willieresolute protector; a form of William286 in the US (2017)
- Willemresolute protector; a form of William55 in the US (2017)
Other names that mean a protector
Like William, 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 William, 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 William
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