WILLIAM
WIL-yum
A classic Germanic name meaning “resolute protector,” long associated with strength and protection.
Meaning
William is traditionally explained from Germanic elements meaning “will, desire” and “helmet, protection,” giving the sense “resolute protector” or “strong-willed guardian.” The excerpt from Yonge explicitly glosses it as “helmet of re-solution,” reflecting the same protective idea in 19th-century wording. Charnock also treats Willie, Willy, Billy, and Will as familiar diminutives of William.
Origin
Old EnglishOld High Germanmasculine
Fun fact
One excerpt notes an inverted female form, Mailliw, made from William.
Confidence: mixed. Sources: History of Christian Names, Praenomina; or, the etymology of the principal Christian names of Great Britain and Ireland.