Origin and Meaning of Wiiliam

Resolute protector

Origin: Germanic - Originally derived from the Germanic elements 'wil' (desire, will) and 'helm' (helmet, protection). The name was introduced to England by the Normans in the form 'Willaume'.

• William has been a royal name in England since the Norman Conquest and is associated with several monarchs, including William the Conqueror.
• The name William has variations in different languages, such as Guillaume (French), Guillermo (Spanish), and Guglielmo (Italian).
• Notable bearers include William Shakespeare, the famous playwright; William Wordsworth, the poet; and many U.S. Presidents including William Howard Taft and William McKinley.
• William has consistently remained popular over the centuries and is one of the most classic and widely recognized names in English-speaking countries.
• Common diminutives and variations of William include Will, Bill, Billy, and Liam, the latter of which has also become popular as an independent name.