A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Wiliam since 1881
Babies named Wiliam per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1982, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Wiliam's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 43 |
| 1920s | 102 |
| 1930s | 54 |
| 1940s | 80 |
| 1950s | 98 |
| 1960s | 102 |
| 1970s | 159 |
| 1980s | 198 |
| 1990s | 115 |
| 2000s | 121 |
| 2010s | 125 |
| 2020s | 54 |
Meaning & origin
Wiliam is a rare respelling of the enduring classic William. First recorded in 1881, Wiliam has never achieved widespread popularity, ranking 6,446th in the most recent year (2025). Its peak year was 1881, the same year it first appeared in records, indicating it has always been an uncommon choice. The trajectory of Wiliam has been rising since 2022, suggesting a possible newfound interest in this phonetic variant. While it appears in a revival decade (1880s), its continued obscurity makes it a distinctive alternative for parents seeking a name with traditional roots but an uncommon spelling.
Wiliam is a variant spelling of the classic name William, which is derived from the Old Norman French name Willaume, itself from the Old High German Willahelm, composed of 'willo' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection). The name was introduced to England by the Normans and became one of the most common names in the English-speaking world. Wiliam is a less common phonetic respelling that has seen occasional use since the 19th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Will, Bill, Liam, Willy
Variants: William
Sibling names for Wiliam
Names that share Wiliam's style, for a brother or sister.
