Will is a name of English origin and it means "resolute protection". It was originally used as a nickname for William or Wilfred, but over time it has become a given name in its own right.
The name Will first appears in the Domesday Book, a great survey of England completed in 1086. In this document, there are several entries for people named Will, indicating that the name was already being used at that time.
Throughout history, many notable figures have carried the name Will. William Shakespeare, often referred to simply as "Will", was an English playwright, poet, and actor who is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. Similarly, William Wordsworth, another "Will", was a major English poet who was a founding figure of the Romantic Age.
Today, Will remains a popular choice for parents looking to name their sons. It has a modern feel while still being rooted in history, making it both timeless and relevant. Additionally, its short length makes it easy to spell and pronounce, contributing to its enduring appeal.
Based on the statistics provided, the name "Will" has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest recorded data is from 1881, with 7 births that year. This number remained consistent for the next two years but dipped to 5 in 1883 and 1885.
However, there was a notable increase in 1887 with 9 births, followed by another drop to 5 and 6 births in the subsequent years until 1892 when it rose again to 7 births. This trend of fluctuating popularity continued throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The name "Will" saw a significant increase in popularity between 1914 and 1918, with a peak of 23 births in 1919. However, it declined again during the 1920s and 1930s, reaching its lowest point with only 5 births in 1940.
There was another uptick in popularity starting from 1947, with consistent numbers around 6 births each year until 1957. The name then fluctuated between 5 to 9 births per year until it reached a low of 5 births in 1978, the latest data point provided.
In total, there were 658 births with the name "Will" recorded in the United States over this period. While the popularity of the name has ebbed and flowed over time, it remains a name that has been consistently given to babies throughout American history.