William is a classic male given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German elements "wil" meaning "will", "desire", or "resolution", and "helm" meaning "helmet", "protection", or "strength". The name was brought to England by the Normans in the 11th century and has since been a popular choice among English-speaking populations.
The name William has been borne by many notable historical figures, including William the Conqueror, also known as William I, who invaded England in 1066 and became its king. Other famous bearers of the name include William Shakespeare, the renowned playwright and poet; William Wordsworth, a celebrated Romantic poet; and William Wallace, the Scottish hero who fought against English rule during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Throughout history, the name William has been associated with strength, courage, and leadership, reflecting its etymological roots. It is also a name that has been passed down through generations in many royal families, including those of England, Scotland, and Sweden.
Today, William remains a popular choice for parents looking for a traditional yet timeless name for their sons. Its classic sound and strong historical associations continue to make it an appealing option for families around the world. Some popular variations of the name include Willy, Will, Billie, and Liam, among others.
Statistics on the name William in the United States:
The name William has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century and a half in the United States. Between 1880 and 2023, there have been a total of 4,037 births recorded with the name William.
In the late 19th century, the number of babies named William was quite low, with fewer than 10 births per year between 1880 and 1894. However, it began to gain traction in the early 20th century, with a steady increase in popularity throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
The name William reached its peak in popularity during the post-World War II era, with over 70 births per year recorded between 1945 and 1955. This trend continued into the 1960s, with over 50 births per year until 1968.
However, starting in the late 1960s, the popularity of the name William began to decline steadily. Between 1972 and 1984, there were fewer than 30 births per year on average. This trend continued into the early 1990s, with fewer than 20 births per year recorded between 1990 and 1996.
Since then, the popularity of the name William has seen a slight resurgence, with over 20 births per year recorded between 1997 and 2013. However, it remains relatively low compared to its peak in the mid-20th century.
In recent years, the popularity of the name William has stabilized around 15-20 births per year, with 17 births recorded in both 2021 and 2022.
Overall, while the name William has seen fluctuations in popularity over time, it remains a classic choice that has been given to thousands of babies in the United States over the past century and a half.