William is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German words "wil" meaning "will" or "desire," and "helm" meaning "helmet" or "protection." Therefore, William can be interpreted as "resolute protection" or "strong-willed warrior."
The name William has been popular throughout history, with several notable figures bearing this name. One of the most famous Williams is William the Conqueror, also known as William I, who was the first Norman king of England, ruling from 1066 to 1087. He invaded England in 1066 and defeated Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings, ultimately leading to the Norman Conquest of England.
Another significant historical figure with the name William is William Shakespeare, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, Shakespeare's works include renowned plays like "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Romeo and Juliet," as well as numerous sonnets.
In recent times, William has remained a popular choice for parents, ranking consistently among the top boys' names in various countries. Some famous modern individuals named William include Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, the eldest son of King Charles III; and William H. Macy, an American actor known for his roles in films such as "Fargo" and "Seabiscuit."
Overall, the name William carries a strong historical legacy and has been associated with prominent figures throughout time. Its meaning suggests determination and protection, making it a timeless and popular choice for parents seeking a classic and powerful name for their child.
The given statistics show the number of births with the name William in the United States from 1880 to 2023. Over this period, there have been significant fluctuations in the popularity of this name.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name William was quite popular, with over 7,000 births per year between 1880 and 1914. The peak occurred in 1913 with 23,538 births. However, after World War I, the popularity of the name began to decline.
From the 1920s onwards, the number of newborn boys named William consistently declined until it reached a low point in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with fewer than 30,000 births per year. This trend continued into the 1980s.
However, since then, there has been an increase in the popularity of the name William. In recent years, it has regained some of its former popularity, with over 15,000 births annually between 2000 and 2022.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name William has fluctuated significantly throughout history, it remains a popular choice for parents in the United States.