William, derived from the German 'Willhelm', is a name of considerable historical significance and popularity. It is composed of two elements: 'will' meaning 'resolute protection', and 'helm' meaning 'helmet'. Thus, William translates to 'resolute protection', often interpreted as 'strong-willed warrior'. The name first gained prominence through the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror, who became the first king of England from a line that would later include figures like William Shakespeare and William the Silent. Throughout history, numerous kings, princes, and notable figures have borne this name, contributing to its enduring appeal. Today, it remains a popular choice worldwide, particularly in English-speaking countries.
The name Wiliam had a total of 1229 births over the period from 1881 to 2023. The number of births fluctuated significantly throughout this time, with peaks occurring in certain decades and troughs in others. For instance, there were more than ten births each year between 1967 and 1975, with a peak of 21 births in 1971. Conversely, the period from 1940 to 1956 saw fewer than ten births per year on average, with some years recording as few as five births. The most recent decade (2013-2023) has seen a resurgence in the popularity of the name Wiliam, with more than ten births each year except for 2020 and 2023, which saw six and five births respectively.