Declining since 2003, #2,572 for boys today.
Popularity of Willem since 1916
Babies named Willem per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 8 |
| 1920s | 18 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 30 |
| 1960s | 71 |
| 1970s | 62 |
| 1980s | 112 |
| 1990s | 443 |
| 2000s | 1,002 |
| 2010s | 743 |
| 2020s | 341 |
Meaning & origin
Willem is the Dutch and German form of William, a name with deep roots in Germanic nobility. In the United States, the name first appeared in Social Security records in 1916, but it remained a rare choice for decades. A notable surge in usage occurred around the turn of the millennium, peaking in 2003 when it achieved its highest rank. Since then, however, the name's popularity has been falling; by 2025, it stood at rank 2,572 with approximately 1 in every 33,492 boys given the name. The states where Willem is most common are California and Texas, reflecting its appeal in culturally diverse regions. Despite its downturn in recent years, Willem retains a sturdy yet distinctive feel, appreciated by families drawn to European heritage names. It remains far less common than the English William, offering a classic option with a continental twist.
Willem is the Dutch and German form of William, derived from the Old High German 'Willahelm', composed of 'willio' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection). The name has been borne by several Dutch princes and cultural figures. It remains a classic in the Netherlands and is also used in German-speaking regions.
Where Willem is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Willem” around the world
Where Willem lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Wim, Pim, Willy
Sibling names for Willem
Names that share Willem's style, for a brother or sister.
