Rising since 2022.
Popularity of Guillaume since 1967
Babies named Guillaume per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 35 |
| 1980s | 80 |
| 1990s | 114 |
| 2000s | 70 |
| 2010s | 32 |
| 2020s | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Guillaume is the classic French form of William, meaning 'resolute protector'. Despite first appearing in U.S. records in 1967, it has never cracked the top 1000 nationally. Its peak year of popularity was 1997. However, the name has been on a rising trajectory since 2022, suggesting renewed interest among parents seeking a distinctly French alternative to the ubiquitous William. While it has no top state concentrations, its sound and cultural associations make it a strong, elegant choice.
Guillaume is the French cognate of the Germanic name William, derived from the elements 'wil' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection). It has been used in France since the Middle Ages, notably by William the Conqueror (Guillaume le Conquérant), who became Duke of Normandy in 1035. The name remains common in French-speaking regions.
“Guillaume” around the world
Where Guillaume lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
65
babies in 2024
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gui, Gugusse, Will, Willy
Sibling names for Guillaume
Names that share Guillaume's style, for a brother or sister.
