Wilhelm
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What does the baby name Wilhelm mean? Learn about what Wilhelm means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.
Wilhelm - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Spelling of Wilhelm
- W-I-L-H-E-L-M, is a 7-letter male given name.
- Pronunciation of Wilhelm
- VIL-helm
- VIL hehlm
- Meaning of Wilhelm
- Resolute protector, with gilded helmet, strong mind and protection, will, desire + helmet, protection.
- Origin of Wilhelm
- The name 'Wilhelm' has Germanic origins and can be traced back to the Old High German name Willahelm. It is a combination of two elements 'wil' meaning 'will' or 'desire', and 'helm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection'. Therefore, the name 'Wilhelm' can be interpreted as 'resolute protector' or 'determined guardian'. The earliest known use of the name 'Wilhelm' can be found in medieval Germanic literature and historical records.
- German Names
- Germanic Names
- Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Wilhelm
- Bill
- Billy
- Gilamu
- Guglielmo
- Guillaume
- Guillermo
- Liam
- Uilleam
- Uilliam
- Vasyl
- Vilhelm
- Viljo
- Villem
- Wilek
- Wiley
- Wilhelmus
- Wilkes
- Wilkie
- Wilkinson
- Will
- Willem
- Willhelmus
- William
- Williams
- Williamson
- Willis
- Wills
- Wilmar
- Wilmot
- Wilson
- Wim
- Popularity of Wilhelm
- Throughout history, the name 'Wilhelm' has experienced varying levels of popularity. In the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance period, it was a common name among European nobility and royalty. However, its popularity declined in the following centuries. It experienced a resurgence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in German-speaking countries. This can be attributed to the influence of 'Wilhelm' I, the first Emperor of Germany, who ruled from 1871 to 1888. His reign and the subsequent popularity of the name can be seen as a reflection of the nationalistic sentiments of the time.
- Wilhelm currently has 22 likes, and is in the top 7% of liked boy's names. The name Humberto is slightly more popular than Wilhelm.
Etymology of Wilhelm
The name 'Wilhelm' has its linguistic roots in the Germanic languages. The element 'wil' is derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'wiljan', which means 'to will' or 'to desire'. The element 'helm' can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'helmaz', which means 'helmet' or 'protection'. This etymology reflects the traits associated with the name 'Wilhelm', such as determination and guardianship.
Cultural Significance of Wilhelm
The name 'Wilhelm' holds cultural significance, particularly in German-speaking countries. It has been associated with figures of power and authority throughout history. For example, 'Wilhelm' II, the last German Emperor and King of Prussia, ruled from 1888 to 1918. His reign marked a significant period in European history, characterized by political tensions and the outbreak of World War I. The name 'Wilhelm', therefore, carries with it a sense of historical weight and significance in these cultural contexts.