ThinkabaraWilliam: meaning and origin
William
“Resolute protector”
About the name William
William is a boy’s name from the German tradition. Its meaning is “resolute protector”. Names from Old German (Germanic) roots, often about strength, nobility and fame — like William, Henry, Emma and Matilda.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
More names with a similar meaning: names that mean strength.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More German names
- Charles 👦Free man · German
- Charlie 🧒Free; a short form of Charles and Charlotte · German
- Emerson 🧒Son of Emery · German
- Emery 🧒Brave, powerful · German
- Emmett 👦Whole, universal · German
- Everett 👦Brave as a wild boar · German
- Frederick 👦Peaceful ruler · German
- Henry 👦Ruler of the home · German
- Hugo 👦Mind, heart, spirit · German
- Otto 👦Wealth, fortune · German
- Robert 👦Bright fame · German
Sibling name ideas (German, girls)
- Adeline 👧Noble · German
- Alice 👧Noble · German
- Amelia 👧Work; industrious and hardworking · German
- Caroline 👧Free; a feminine form of Charles · German
- Ella 👧All, completely; also a short form of Eleanor · German
- Elsa 👧My God is an oath; a short form of Elisabeth · German
- Emma 👧Whole, universal · German
- Frieda 👧Peace · German
More boy names starting with W
- Walker 👦Cloth fuller (someone who walked on cloth to thicken it) · English
- Waylon 👦Land by the road · English
- Wesley 👦Western meadow · English
- Weston 👦Western town · English
- Wyatt 👦Brave in war · English
Questions and answers
What does the name William mean?
William is a name of German origin. It means: resolute protector.
Is William a boy or girl name?
William is usually given to boys.
How many syllables does William have?
William has 7 letters and about 2 syllables.
Is William a popular name?
Yes. William has been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. Names marked “popular now” have been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. This is an approximate guide, not an official ranking; see the Social Security Administration’s baby names site for official counts.