How to Choose the Name "William" For Your Baby

Associated with kings, conquerers, outlaws and saints, the name "William" is one of the most popular in the Western world. At one point in England's middle ages, three out of four boys bore some form of the name "William." Because there are so many variations of this strong, masculine name, it shouldn't be hard to consider it for your baby boy. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. The name "William" is pronounced /WIL-yum/ and is of Germanic origin. Catapulted to prominance in 1066 A.D. with William the Conqueror, it has remained popular worldwide ever since.
2. "William" means "Strong, resolute and protector."
3. The name "William" has many notable name bearers throughout history, including several European kings and rulers. William Shakespeare (playwrite), William Kidd (pirate captain), William Clark (of Lewis and Clark), William and William "Buffalo Bill" Cody (cowboy and showman). In the modern era, actors Willem Dafoe, Will Smith, Bill Shatner, Liam Neeson and Bill Pullman have made the name and all its variations a Hollywood star. The name has also been borne by four U.S. Presidents: Harrison, Taft, McKinley and Clinton. Today, England's Prince William of Wales is perhaps the most well-known name bearer.
4. Variations of "William" are abundant in many languages. "Wilhelm" (German, Polish), "Guillaume" (French, "Guillermo" (Spanish), "Willem" (Dutch), "Uilleam" (Gaelic) and "Viliam" (Slovak) are just a few. Variations of the name are "Wilson," "Wilmot," "Wilmer" and "Wim." Nicknames for "William" are "Will," "Bill," "Willy" and "Billy." "Liam" is fast becoming a popular alternative to the name's more traditional nicknames.

Tips & Warnings

• When selecting a name for your baby, make sure that the first, middle and last name sound good together. A person's name should be something he can be proud of--not something to constantly stumble over or explain away.
• Avoid giving your child a name that features initials that spell out something embarrasing, such as "APE" or "ASS."