William
/ˈwɪl.jəm/noun
A masculine given name of Germanic origin.
Did you know?The name ultimately comes from Germanic elements meaning “will/desire” and “helmet/protection,” so its oldest sense is less “person” and more “guardian of resolve.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*wiljô
“will, desire”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*helmaz
“helmet, covering for the head”
Old High German
OHG
Willahelm
“a Germanic personal name meaning “will-desire helmet-protection””
Old French
OF
Willaume / Guillaume
“French forms of the Germanic name”
Middle English
English
William
“a common male given name”
Modern English
English
William
“a masculine given name”