A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Wilhelm since 1880
Babies named Wilhelm per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2014, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Wilhelm's real moment was 1902.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 41 |
| 1890s | 26 |
| 1900s | 37 |
| 1910s | 183 |
| 1920s | 122 |
| 1930s | 109 |
| 1940s | 67 |
| 1950s | 113 |
| 1960s | 167 |
| 1970s | 124 |
| 1980s | 123 |
| 1990s | 125 |
| 2000s | 205 |
| 2010s | 233 |
| 2020s | 153 |
Meaning & origin
Wilhelm is a strong German name with royal and noble associations. It peaked in popularity in the United States in 1902, but fell out of common use after the World Wars. Since 1996, it has been slowly rising in usage, though it remains very rare, with only about 1 in 65,695 boys receiving the name in 2025. Its straightforward meaning of 'will' and 'protection' gives it a grounded, serious quality. The name has not been among the top 1000 names for many decades, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a traditional Germanic name. It has consistent use in German-speaking countries but carries historical weight that may influence its perception.
Wilhelm is the German form of the Old High German name Willahelm, composed of willio (will, desire) and helm (helmet, protection). It has been a traditional name among German royalty and nobility, including several German emperors. The name was introduced to England by the Normans but later fell out of common English use in favor of the French-derived William.
“Wilhelm” around the world
Where Wilhelm lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Will, Willy, Helm
Sibling names for Wilhelm
Names that share Wilhelm's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Gretchen, Frieda, Elke, Annika, Liesel, Freida, Wilhelmina, Elfrieda, Herlinda, Mathilde, Luise, Ricarda, Wilhelmenia, Wilhemina, Adelheid, Norberta, Rheda, Wilhelmena, Wilhelmine, Wilhemenia, Aneliese, Gerturde, Helma, Margarete, Maritta, Otillia, Walda, Wilmina
Brothers: Otto, Heinrich, Ludwig, Ernst, Kurt, Rudolph, Reinhold, Rudolf, Alfons, Frantz, Frederich, Gerhardt, Hermann, Herold, Rembert, Elmar, Friedrich, Gottlieb, Deitrick, Erhard
