William
BoyGermanic
William is a boy name of Germanic origin meaning "Resolute protector".
About this name
Gender
Boy
Language
Germanic
Popularity
89 / 100
Syllables
2
Length
7 letters
Meaning
Resolute protector
Etymology
William is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It became popular in England after the Norman conquest in 1066, and remained so throughout the Middle Ages and into the modern era.
Famous People Named William
- William Shakespeare — English playwright and poet (1564–1616)
- William Blake — English poet and artist (1757–1827)
- William Butler Yeats — Irish poet and playwright (1865–1939)
- William Faulkner — American writer (1897-1962)
- William Howard Taft — 27th President of the United States from 1909 to 1913 (1857–1930)
Frequently Asked Questions About William
What does the name William mean?
William means "Resolute protector", and is of Germanic origin.
What is the origin of the name William?
William originates from Germanic.
Is William a boy or girl name?
William is typically used as a boy name.
Are there famous people named William?
Yes — notable people named William include William Shakespeare (English playwright and poet, 1564–1616), William Blake (English poet and artist, 1757–1827), William Butler Yeats (Irish poet and playwright, 1865–1939), William Faulkner (American writer, 1897-1962) and William Howard Taft (27th President of the United States from 1909 to 1913, 1857–1930).
Last updated: June 2026