William is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the words "wil" meaning "resolute" or "strong-willed," and "helm" meaning "helmet" or "protection." Thus, William can be interpreted as "resolute protection" or "strong-willed warrior."
The name has a rich history, with notable figures bearing it throughout the centuries. One of the most famous is William the Conqueror, also known as William I, who invaded England in 1066 and became its king after defeating Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings. This event significantly influenced the course of British history and led to the Domesday Book being commissioned by William in 1086.
Another notable figure is William Shakespeare, the renowned English poet, playwright, and actor, often regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, his works include tragedies like "Hamlet" and "Romeo and Juliet," comedies such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and historical plays including "Henry V."
Throughout history, the name William has been associated with leadership, resilience, and creativity. It has remained popular across various cultures and continues to be a common choice for parents today, ranking among the top names in many countries.
In terms of its popularity, William was consistently one of the most favored boys' names in England and Wales during the 20th century. According to data from the UK's Office for National Statistics, it was the second most popular name for boys born in England and Wales between 2016 and 2020.
Overall, the name William carries a strong and distinguished heritage, with its roots tracing back to early Germanic cultures and its popularity enduring through centuries of history.
Statistics for the name William in the United States:
The name William has seen varied popularity over the decades in the United States. In the early 20th century, the number of babies named William was quite low, with only 6 births recorded in 1920 and 5 births in 1927.
However, starting from the mid-20th century, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name William. The highest point was reached in the late 1980s, with 13 births recorded in 1985 and 8 births in 1987.
Over this period, the total number of babies named William amounted to 96. This demonstrates that although there were fluctuations in popularity over time, William has consistently been a popular name for boys in the United States throughout much of the past century.
These statistics can provide insight into naming trends and preferences in American culture over several decades. Despite its ups and downs, William remains a classic and enduring choice among parents in the United States.