William
William is a boy name of Germanic, via Norman French origin, meaning “Resolute protector”.
| Meaning | Resolute protector |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Germanic, via Norman French |
| Pronunciation | WIL-yum |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic, Christian |
| Used in | Worldwide |
Meaning and origin of William
William comes from the Germanic Wilhelm, formed from wil 'will, desire' and helm 'helmet, protection'. William the Conqueror brought it to England in 1066, and it soon became one of the most common English names. Bearers include William Shakespeare, many kings, and Prince William. It has stayed popular for nearly a thousand years.
Is William a religious name?
William is a general name, though several Christian saints have borne it, such as William of Gellone.
How popular is William?
One of the most enduringly popular boys' names in the English-speaking world.
Gifts with the name William
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Spellings and variants of William
Names similar to William
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Frequently asked questions
What does the name William mean?
William means 'Resolute protector'. It is of Germanic, via Norman French origin.
Does William have a religious meaning?
William is a general name, though several Christian saints have borne it, such as William of Gellone.
How do you pronounce William?
William is pronounced WIL-yum.
Is William a boy or girl name?
William is usually a boy name.