Wilhelm
/ˈvɪl.hɛlm/noun
A German masculine given name, equivalent to William.
Did you know?Wilhelm comes from the same ancient Germanic name-family as William, built from elements meaning “will/desire” and “helmet/protection,” a classic warrior-name formula meant to invoke strength and protection.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*wiljô
“will, desire”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*helmaz
“helmet, protective covering”
Early Germanic
Germanic
*Wiljahelmaz
“a compound personal name meaning “will-desire” + “helmet/protection””
Old High German
OHG
Wilhēlm
“male personal name”
Middle High German
MHG
Wilhelm
“male personal name”
Modern German
German
Wilhelm
“a German masculine given name”