heyotag

Name meaning & stats

William

William means “will + helmet” (Germanic origin). 2,750,375 US babies since 1940, peak 1947. Notable Williams are 1.7× over-represented as professors.

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What it means

“will + helmet”

GermanicWell documented

From Old High German Willahelm.

In US birth records

Peak year: 1947

40s50s60s70s80s90s00s10s20s

2,750,375 US babies were named William between 1940 and 2025.

Where Williams end up

Careervs expectedConfidence
Politician1.3×High · 409 people
Professor1.7×High · 333 people
Writer1.3×High · 231 people
Actor0.9×High · 214 people

Among notable men who are professors, Williams show up 1.7× as often as you'd expect from how common the name is.

Notable people born 1940–2005 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia (Wikidata). Patterns, not destiny.

One more thing…

William has a surprise career: 2.6×

Reveal it in William's story

Spelling family

William is the main spelling

  • William 100%
  • Willem <1%
  • Willam <1%
  • Wilhelm <1%
  • Willaim <1%
  • Wiliam <1%
  • Willliam <1%
  • Willim <1%

Names that sound the same, grouped by Heyotag. Share of US babies since 1940.

Name twins (peaked around 1947)