William
Meaning & Origin
Meaning: Resolute Protector
Background: The name William originates from the Germanic elements 'wil' meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection.' It was introduced into England by the Normans and has been widely used ever since.
At a glance
Quick stats based on the history of this name.
Lifetime rank
#5
Total births
4,205,026
Most popular decade
1940s
(1,673,928 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-5 ranks)
Years in Top 100
145
First recorded year
1880
Gender usage
99.6% male
0.4% female
Stats by gender
Male
- First year
- 1880
- First year births
- 9,532
- First year rank
- #2
- Peak year
- 1947
- Peak year births
- 67,001
- Peak rank
- #4
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 10,596
- Recent rank
- #10
Female
- First year
- 1880
- First year births
- 30
- First year rank
- #282
- Peak year
- 1928
- Peak year births
- 348
- Peak rank
- #368
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 9
- Recent rank
- #10,241
Births over time
Number of babies given this name each year.
Rank over time
Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).