Wylliam is a unique and distinctive name of Welsh origin, derived from the ancient Welsh name "Gwilym". The name Gwilym is composed of two elements: "gwili", which means "happy" or "lucky", and "m", which is a diminutive suffix. Therefore, the meaning of Wylliam can be interpreted as "happy little one".
The name Wylliam has a rich history in Wales, with its roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It was borne by several notable figures throughout Welsh history, including Gwilym ap Iorwerth, who was a Welsh nobleman and poet of the 12th century.
In more recent times, Wylliam has gained popularity as a given name for boys in various English-speaking countries. Despite its unique spelling and pronunciation, it is often associated with the more common name William, which shares the same meaning: "resolute protector". However, unlike William, Wylliam stands out as a rare and individual choice.
In summary, Wylliam is an uncommon Welsh boy's name with a positive and fortunate meaning. Its history is deeply rooted in medieval Wales, and it offers parents seeking an unusual yet meaningful name an appealing option.
The name Wylliam has seen a fluctuating trend in its usage over the past few decades in the United States. In 2005 and again in 2008, there were 5 babies named Wylliam each year. The popularity of this name then slightly increased in 2009 with 6 births that year. However, it decreased once more in 2013 with only 5 births recorded for the name Wylliam.
Over this five-year period from 2005 to 2013, there were a total of 21 babies named Wylliam born in the United States. This data illustrates how the frequency of naming children Wylliam has varied over time but remained relatively uncommon overall during these years.