Declining since 2004, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Wil since 1953
Babies named Wil per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 32 |
| 1970s | 63 |
| 1980s | 126 |
| 1990s | 312 |
| 2000s | 358 |
| 2010s | 153 |
| 2020s | 45 |
Meaning & origin
Wil is a concise and strong masculine name, functioning as a direct short form of William. While William has remained a top-tier classic for centuries, the clipped version Wil has charted modestly in U.S. Social Security data since its first recorded use in 1953. Its peak popularity came in 2005, when it reached rank 4,602, but since 2004 the name has been on a steady trajectory of decline. In 2025, Wil ranked 12,008th, with approximately 1 in 341,615 boys receiving the name. Wil has never been among the most popular names in any state, but its straightforward sound and connection to the enduring William give it a sturdy, no-frills appeal. Parents drawn to one-syllable names may find Wil a clean alternative to longer traditional names.
Wil is a short form of names beginning with 'Wil-', most often William. William derives from the Old Norman French 'Williame', itself from the Old High German 'Willihelm', composed of 'willio' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection). As an independent given name, Wil emerged in the 20th century, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom, often as a shortened form given its own legal standing.
Sibling names for Wil
Names that share Wil's style, for a brother or sister.
