MGermanicvintage
“will and protection”
William is a masculine name of Germanic origin meaning will and protection. As of 2026, it ranks #9 in the U.S. SSA chart. William is associated with a vintage aesthetic.
Last reviewed · 2026-05-18
Chapter 01 / 06
What does William mean?
William means will and protection and comes from Germanic origin.
name steeped in history, William signifies ‘will’ and ‘protection’. This sturdy name has been worn by kings and saints alike, carrying with it a sense of nobility through the centuries, from the conquests of Normandy to modern times.
Chapter 02 / 06
How does William sound?
Chapter 03 / 06
How popular is William?
As of 2026, William ranks #9 in the United States.
Chapter 04 / 06
What are good middle names for William?
Chapter 05 / 06
What names are similar to William?
Chapter 06 / 06
About the name William
- What does the name William mean?
- William means will and protection and comes from Germanic origin.
- Where does the name William come from?
- William traces to a Germanic origin and continues to appear in U.S. SSA records.
- How popular is the name William?
- As of 2026, William ranks #9 in the United States according to SSA data.
- Is William a boy or girl name?
- William is most commonly used as a masculine name.