What Does the Name William Mean?
William is a boy's name of Germanic origin meaning “resolute protection.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | William |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Origin | Germanic |
| Meaning | resolute protection |
| Variants | Liam, Will, Bill, Willem, Guillaume |
| Popularity | Among the most enduring US top-10 names; consistently popular for centuries |
The meaning and origin of William
The name William means “resolute protection” and has Germanic origins. William derives from the Germanic Willahelm, combining 'wil' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection). Brought to England by William the Conqueror in 1066, it has been a foundational English name ever since.
Variants and related names
William is related to several other names you may recognize: Liam, Will, Bill, Willem, Guillaume. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name William?
Among the most enduring US top-10 names; consistently popular for centuries
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name William mean?+
The name William means “resolute protection” and is of Germanic origin.
What is the origin of the name William?+
William originates from Germanic.
Is William a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how William has trended in the US over time.
William by gender
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Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press