Billy

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Resolute Protection; Strong-Willed

Background: The name Billy originates from the medieval diminutive of William, which itself comes from the Old High German name Willahelm. The components 'wil' meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection' converge to form the meaning 'resolute protection.'

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#89
Total births
389,442
Most popular decade
1930s (268,326 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-251 ranks)
Years in Top 100
59
First recorded year
1880

Gender usage

98.6% male 1.4% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1880
First year births
7
First year rank
#745
Peak year
1934
Peak year births
9,562
Peak rank
#20
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
210
Recent rank
#1,046

Female

First year
1899
First year births
5
First year rank
#1,596
Peak year
1930
Peak year births
166
Peak rank
#526
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
13
Recent rank
#7,937

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

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