William

Meaning resolute protection, strong-willed warrior
Origin German
Gender gender neutral
Opposite gender William
Popularity Popular
Length 7
Syllables 3
Syllabification Wil-li-am

About William

William. A name that has crowned kings, inspired poets, and graced the pages of history for nearly a millennium. Consider the weight of legacy this name carries—from William the Conqueror to William Shakespeare, from Prince William to countless leaders, artists, and innovators throughout the centuries. This isn't merely a name; it's a foundation of strength, dignity, and enduring excellence. The name possesses remarkable versatility with nicknames like Will, Bill, Billy, or Liam, adapting to every stage of life from playful childhood through distinguished adulthood. It commands respect in boardrooms while remaining approachable in everyday interactions. William transcends trends and fads, immune to the dating effect that plagues so many contemporary choices. It works seamlessly across cultures, languages, and social contexts. Choose William, and you're not just naming your son—you're connecting him to centuries of greatness while giving him a timeless identity that will serve him throughout his entire life.

Variations of Name William

Liam
Will
Willem
Guillermo
Wilhelm
Gwilym

Nicknames for William

Will
Bill
Billy
Liam
William

Famous People Named William

William ShakespeareRenowned playwright and poet
William the ConquerorFirst Norman King of England
William WallaceScottish knight and national hero
William WordsworthProminent English Romantic poet
William FaulknerAmerican writer and Nobel laureate
William BlakeEnglish poet and painter
William PennFounder of Pennsylvania
William Butler YeatsIrish poet and playwright
William Howard Taft27th President of the United States
William TellSwiss folk hero
William Wallace LincolnSon of Abraham Lincoln
William HerschelAstronomer who discovered Uranus
William JamesAmerican philosopher and psychologist
William MorrisEnglish artist, writer, and textile designer
William McKinley25th President of the United States
William Tecumseh ShermanUnion Army General during the American Civil War
William the SilentFounder of the Dutch Republic
William GibsonScience fiction writer
William H. MacyAmerican actor

Characters Named William

William TurnerPirates of the Caribbean
William AdamaBattlestar Galactica
William "Will" GrahamHannibal
William "Will" ByersStranger Things
William "Will" HerondaleThe Infernal Devices
William "Will" RikerStar Trek - The Next Generation
William "Will" HuntingGood Will Hunting
William "Will" SchuesterGlee
William "Billy" KaplanYoung Avengers
William "Bill" WeasleyHarry Potter series
William "Will" TraynorMe Before You
William "Will" ParryHis Dark Materials
William "Will" GorskiSense8
William "Billy" CranstonPower Rangers
William "Will" StantonThe Dark Is Rising
William "Will" StrongholdSky High
William "Will" LenzSliders
William "Billy" BatsonShazam!