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Boy
William
Resolute protector
Origin
Germanic
Used in
en
Origin and meaning of William
William is the English form of the Germanic Wilhelm, from wil, 'will, desire,' and helm, 'helmet, protection': the 'resolute protector.' Brought to England by William the Conqueror in 1066, it became one of the most deeply rooted boys' names in the English-speaking world, where it remains hugely popular. It carries an air of solidity and prestige, with a long line of kings, poets and statesmen keeping it familiar through the ages.
Variants around the world
How William sounds in other languages.
GuglielmoWilhelmGuillaumeGuillermoWillem
Famous people
- William Shakespeare— writer
- William Wordsworth— poet
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Frequently asked questions
What does the name William mean?
The name William means Resolute protector.
What is the origin of the name William?
Origin of William: Germanic.
What are the international variants of the name William?
International variants of William: Guglielmo, Wilhelm, Guillaume, Guillermo, and Willem.