William is a name of English origin that has been popular for centuries. It is derived from the Germanic elements "wil" meaning "will" or "desire," and "helm" which means "helmet" or "protection." Thus, William translates to "resolute protection" or "strong-willed warrior."
The name William first gained prominence in England during the Norman Conquest of 1066. William the Conqueror, also known as William I, was a French-Norman duke who successfully invaded and conquered England, becoming its king. His fame led to the popularity of his name among the English nobility.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name William. Some examples include William Shakespeare, the renowned playwright and poet; William Wordsworth, a prominent Romantic poet; and William Gladstone, a four-time British Prime Minister in the 19th century.
In the United States, William has consistently ranked among the top 50 most popular boy's names since record-keeping began in the late 19th century. It reached its peak popularity during the mid-20th century and remains quite common today.
Overall, William is a strong and traditional name with a rich history and international appeal. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its positive meaning, association with powerful historical figures, and timeless charm.
In the United States, the name William has been consistently popular over time. According to historical records, there were 5 babies named William born in 1957 and 6 babies named William born in 1958. This means that a total of 11 babies were given the name William during these two years combined. While this figure may seem small compared to today's birth rates, it is important to consider that the population was also much smaller at that time. Therefore, William remained a popular choice among parents naming their newborn sons during these years.