Billy is a masculine given name of English origin. It is a diminutive form of the given name William, which means "resolute protection" or "strong-willed warrior." The name Billy has been used for centuries and has been popular in various countries around the world.
The use of Billy as an independent given name began in the Middle Ages when it was used as a pet form of William. It was particularly common among the lower classes, who often used nicknames instead of full names due to illiteracy or simplicity.
In literature, Billy is featured prominently in Mark Twain's classic novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." The main character, Huck Finn, has a friend named Billy Douglas, who plays a significant role in the story. This novel helped popularize the name Billy even further and solidified its place in American culture.
Today, Billy continues to be used as both a given name and a nickname for William. It is often associated with qualities such as strength, courage, and determination due to its connection with the meaning of William. However, it is important to note that people named Billy can possess any number of personality traits or characteristics, just like individuals with any other name.
In conclusion, Billy is an English masculine given name with a long history dating back centuries. Its meaning reflects strength and protection, and it has been popularized through literature and culture throughout the years.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Billy in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
From 1880 to 1950, the number of babies named Billy varied greatly, ranging from a low of 6 births in some years to a high of 4271 births in 1927. During this period, there were several peaks and valleys in popularity. For instance, the name reached its highest point of popularity in 1927, with 6463 babies named Billy.
However, after 1950, there was a significant decline in the number of babies named Billy. The peak for this period occurred in 1954 with 6033 births. Since then, the popularity of the name Billy has steadily decreased, with only 217 births recorded in 2022 and an estimated 194 births in 2023.
In total, over the entire period from 1880 to 2023, there were approximately 383,800 babies named Billy born in the United States. This shows that while Billy was once a popular name, its popularity has significantly decreased over time. Despite this decline, it is still possible for parents to choose this classic and historic name for their child.