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.
"William was quite popular as a baby boy's name in the late 1950s, with 5 newborn Williams in 1957 and another 6 in 1958."