Bill
Meaning & Origin
Meaning: Resolute Protector; Will
Background: The name Bill originates from the Old High German name 'Wilhelm,' composed of the elements 'wil' meaning 'will' and 'helm' meaning 'protection.' It has evolved in English as a common diminutive of William, retaining the connotations of a resolute protector.
At a glance
Quick stats based on the history of this name.
Lifetime rank
#214
Total births
161,173
Most popular decade
1940s
(113,544 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-1,971 ranks)
Years in Top 100
29
First recorded year
1880
Gender usage
99.6% male
0.4% female
Stats by gender
Male
- First year
- 1880
- First year births
- 53
- First year rank
- #220
- Peak year
- 1947
- Peak year births
- 4,681
- Peak rank
- #76
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 22
- Recent rank
- #4,553
Female
- First year
- 1908
- First year births
- 5
- First year rank
- #2,101
- Peak year
- 1932
- Peak year births
- 34
- Peak rank
- #1,237
- Most recent year
- 1986
- Recent year births
- 5
- Recent rank
- #10,911
Births over time
Number of babies given this name each year.
Rank over time
Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).