Is William a boy or girl name?

William is traditionally a boy's name, though naming customs vary between cultures and families.

How popular is William?

William scores 90/100 on Namelia's popularity index, with a peak around 2018.

What are good nicknames for William?

Popular nicknames for William: Will, Bill, Billy, Liam.

What names are similar to William?

Names similar to William: Liam, Wilhelm, Willard, Wilson — close in sound, origin, or style.

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William

William originates from the Old High German name 'Willahelm,' which is composed of the elements 'wil' meaning 'will or desire' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet or protection.' The name signifies a 'resolute protector' and has been a popular name among royalty and nobility throughout history, reinforcing its association with leadership and strength.

IPA: /ˈwɪljəm/ · Simplified: WIL-yəm

Male

Old High German

Germanic

Central Europe

strong

regal

timeless

classic

90/100

Popularity

Stable

10-Year Trend

Countries

2018

Peak Year

Meaning of William

Etymology, origin story, and cultural significance.

Does William flow with your last name? — Run the surname compatibility check

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How to pronounce William

IPA notation and a simplified pronunciation guide.

IPA: /ˈwɪljəm/ · Simplified: WIL-yəm

Nicknames for William

Common diminutives and short forms used in everyday life.

Will

Bill

Billy

Liam

William name popularity

Popularity score over the last 10 years and countries where this name is popular.

Popular in Countries

Top countries where this name is most common.

United Kingdom

United States

Australia

Canada

New Zealand

Ireland

Sweden

International Forms

How this name appears across different languages and cultures.

Guillaume

Wilhelm

Guglielmo

Guilherme

Willem

Vilhelm

Viliam

Viljami

Names like William

Names with a similar feel you might also like.

Liam

Wilhelm

Willard

Wilson

Collections featuring William

Curated name lists where this name appears

Germanic names Names that mean Strength

Personality

Traits and perception commonly associated with this name.

Individuals named William often exude a sense of confidence and authority. They are typically seen as reliable and strong, often stepping into leadership roles naturally. With their classic and timeless presence, they are appreciated for their steadfastness and wisdom.

Name Day

Traditional celebration date for this name.

Not traditionally celebrated

Famous people named William

Well-known figures who share this name.

William Shakespeare

English playwright and poet, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language (1564-1616)

William the Conqueror

First Norman King of England, reigning from 1066 until his death in 1087

Frequently asked questions about William

Quick answers on meaning, gender, popularity, and nicknames.

What does William mean?: Here is the meaning behind William: William originates from the Old High German name 'Willahelm,' which is composed of the elements 'wil' meaning 'will or desire' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet or protection.' The name signifies a 'resolute protector' and has been a popular name among royalty and nobility throughout history, reinforcing its association with leadership and strength.
Is William a boy or girl name?: William is traditionally a boy's name, though naming customs vary between cultures and families.
How popular is William?: William scores 90/100 on Namelia's popularity index, with a peak around 2018.
What are good nicknames for William?: Popular nicknames for William: Will, Bill, Billy, Liam.
What names are similar to William?: Names similar to William: Liam, Wilhelm, Willard, Wilson — close in sound, origin, or style.

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