William

William
William the Conqueror
The name William became very popular in the English language after the Norman conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror.
Pronunciation/ˈwɪljəm/[1]
GenderMale
Origin
Language(s)Germanic languages
Meaning"Vehement protector"
Region of originNorthern Europe
Other names
Nickname(s)Will, Wills, Willy, Willie, Liam, Bill and Billy
Related namesWilhelm, Guillaume, Willian, Guillermo, Guglielmo, Guilherme, Gwilym
Popularitysee popular names

William is a masculine given name of Germanic origin.[2] It became very popular in the English language after the Norman conquest of England in 1066,[3] and remained so throughout the Middle Ages and into the modern era. It is sometimes abbreviated "Wm." Shortened familiar versions in English include Will, Wills, Willy, Willie, Liam, Bill, and Billy. A common Irish form is Liam. Scottish diminutives include Wull, Willie or Wullie (as in Oor Wullie or the play Douglas). Female forms are Willa, Willemina, Wilma and Wilhelmina.

  1. ^ "william – Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at". Oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com. Retrieved 2022-05-06.
  2. ^ Hanks, Hardcastle and Hodges, Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Oxford University Press, 2nd edition, ISBN 978-0-19-861060-1, p. 276.
  3. ^ All Things William, "Meaning & Origin of the Name"