William
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What does the baby name William mean? Learn about what William means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.
William - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Spelling of William
- W-I-L-L-I-A-M, is a 7-letter male given name.
- Pronunciation of William
- WIL-ee-əm
- WIL-yəm
- WIL yum
- Meaning of William
- Resolute protector, with gilded helmet, strong mind and protection, will, desire, a strong and resolute protector, determined guardian, valiant protector.
- Origin of William
- The name 'William' has a long and storied history, dating back centuries. Its origins can be traced to the Germanic language, specifically Old High German. Derived from the elements 'wil', meaning 'desire' or 'will', and 'helm', which translates to 'helmet' or 'protection', 'William' carries the meaning of a strong-willed protector.
The earliest known use of the name 'William' can be found in medieval England, where it gained popularity among the Norman conquerors. It was brought to England by 'William' the Conqueror, who famously invaded England in 1066 and became the first Norman King of England. - American Names
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- Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of William
- Bill
- Billy
- Gilamu
- Guglielmo
- Guillaume
- Guillermo
- Liam
- Uilleam
- Uilliam
- Vasyl
- Vilhelm
- Viljo
- Villem
- Wilek
- Wiley
- Wilhelm
- Wilhelmus
- Wilkes
- Wilkie
- Wilkinson
- Will
- Willem
- Willhelmus
- Williams
- Williamson
- Willis
- Wills
- Wilmar
- Wilmot
- Wilson
- Wim
- Popularity of William
- Throughout history, the name 'William' has maintained a consistent level of popularity. It has been a perennial favorite among parents, standing the test of time. In fact, it has consistently ranked among the top names for boys in various countries.
There have been notable spikes in the usage of the name 'William' over the years. One such spike occurred during the reign of Queen Victoria in the 19th century. Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, had the name 'William' as one of his middle names, and this royal association likely contributed to the name's increased popularity during that era. - William currently has 4632 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Anthony is slightly more popular than William.
Etymology of William
To truly understand the name 'William', we must explore its linguistic roots. As mentioned earlier, the name has Germanic origins, specifically from Old High German. It is interesting to note that the name shares etymological connections with other Germanic names, such as Wilhelm and Guillaume.
Cultural Significance of William
The name 'William' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In English-speaking countries, it has strong ties to the British monarchy. Numerous British kings, including 'William' the Conqueror and 'William' III, have borne this illustrious name. As a result, 'William' has become synonymous with royalty and nobility.
Furthermore, the name 'William' has a significant place in literary history. It has been featured in numerous works of literature, such as 'William' Shakespeare's plays. Characters named 'William' often embody traits of strength, honor, and leadership, further solidifying the name's cultural significance.