William is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German words "wil" meaning "will" or "desire," and "helm" which means "helmet" or "protection." Therefore, the name William translates to "resolute protection" or "strong-willed warrior."
The name William has been popular throughout history, with several notable figures bearing this name. One of the most famous is William the Conqueror, also known as William I, who was the first Norman King of England, reigning from 1066 to 1087. His conquest of England led to the construction of the iconic Windsor Castle and the building of the Tower of London.
Another significant figure named William was William Shakespeare, the renowned English playwright and poet from the 16th century. His works are celebrated as some of the greatest in literature, with his plays including "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Romeo and Juliet."
In more recent times, William has been a popular choice for royal babies. Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge and second-in-line to the British throne, was born William Arthur Philip Louis in 1982. He married Catherine Middleton in 2011, and they have three children together: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Overall, William is a strong and enduring name with a rich history spanning centuries and cultures. Its meaning of "resolute protection" or "strong-willed warrior" has likely contributed to its popularity among parents seeking a powerful and meaningful name for their child.
The statistics regarding the name William in the United States are quite fascinating. From 1967 to 1988, there were a total of 22 babies named William each year combined. The years with the highest number of Williams born were 1973 and 1988, with six births each year. Interestingly, the years 1967 and 1985 saw five births each for the name William. This data shows that while William was still a popular name during these decades, its popularity fluctuated over time.