Quick answerWilliam is a male given name of Germanic origin. From the Germanic Willehelm, meaning 'will helmet', read as 'resolute protection'. In the United States, it ranked number 10 for baby boys in 2024, according to the Social Security Administration. It is given to boys in the United States. Related forms include Bill and Liam. A famous bearer is William Shakespeare.
Key facts
| Meaning | From the Germanic Willehelm, meaning 'will helmet', read as 'resolute protection'. |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germanic |
| Gender | Male (boys) |
| Popularity (US) | #10 for baby boys in 2024 (U.S. Social Security Administration) |
| Variants | Bill, Liam |
| Famous bearer | William Shakespeare |
Keep exploring
- William Shakespeare — a famous bearer of the name William
- Emma — another Germanic-origin name (#2 in 2024)
- Amelia — another Germanic-origin name (#3 in 2024)
- Henry — another Germanic-origin name (#6 in 2024)
- Charles — another Germanic-origin name (#51 in 2024)
- Albert — another Germanic-origin name (#606 in 2024)
- All names — the full list
Sources & last updated
- U.S. Social Security Administration — most popular baby names for 2024
- Behind the Name — meaning and origin
Popularity ranks are U.S. Social Security Administration figures for 2024; meanings and origins follow Behind the Name. See the names index for the full source notes.