William is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German words "wil" meaning "will" or "desire," and "helm" meaning "helmet" or "protection." Therefore, William can be interpreted as "resolute protection" or "strong-willed warrior."
The name William has been popular throughout history, with several notable figures bearing this name. One of the most famous Williams is William the Conqueror, also known as William I, who was the first Norman king of England, ruling from 1066 to 1087. He invaded England in 1066 and defeated Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings, ultimately leading to the Norman Conquest of England.
Another significant historical figure with the name William is William Shakespeare, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, Shakespeare's works include renowned plays like "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Romeo and Juliet," as well as numerous sonnets.
In recent times, William has remained a popular choice for parents, ranking consistently among the top boys' names in various countries. Some famous modern individuals named William include Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, the eldest son of King Charles III; and William H. Macy, an American actor known for his roles in films such as "Fargo" and "Seabiscuit."
Overall, the name William carries a strong historical legacy and has been associated with prominent figures throughout time. Its meaning suggests determination and protection, making it a timeless and popular choice for parents seeking a classic and powerful name for their child.
The name William experienced significant popularity and fluctuations over time. In the late 19th century, it was quite common, with numbers consistently above 6,000 each year from 1876 to 1900. However, its popularity began to decline in the early 20th century, reaching its lowest point in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, with fewer than 4,000 births per year.
The name William saw a resurgence in popularity from the late 1980s onwards, peaking around the mid-1990s. It remained consistently popular until the early 21st century, although its popularity has been declining steadily since then. In recent years, it has hovered around the 10,000 mark for births per year.
Overall, William has been one of the most popular names over time, with a total of 4,178,180 babies named William from 1876 to 2023.