Holding steady, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Willliam since 1922
Babies named Willliam per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2006, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Willliam's real moment was 1922.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 7 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 12 |
| 1960s | 24 |
| 1970s | 15 |
| 1980s | 41 |
| 1990s | 46 |
| 2000s | 65 |
| 2010s | 45 |
| 2020s | 13 |
Meaning & origin
Willliam, a respelling of the classic William, is an extremely rare variant that has never achieved wide usage. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1922, its peak year, and has since remained consistently uncommon. In 2025, it ranked 9,714th, with only 1 in every 244,011 newborn boys given the name. The name follows a tradition of alternative spellings for established names, though it has never seen significant adoption. Its stable trajectory suggests it remains a niche choice for parents seeking a distinctive twist on a familiar name.
Willliam is a variant spelling of William, derived from the Germanic name Willahelm, composed of 'wil' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection). The name was introduced to England by the Normans and became one of the most enduringly popular names in the English-speaking world. This particular spelling is less common but follows a pattern of doubling the 'l' in some names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Will, Bill, Liam
Sibling names for Willliam
Names that share Willliam's style, for a brother or sister.
