![]() William the Conqueror The name William became very popular in the English language after the Norman conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror. | |
Pronunciation | /wɪljəm/ |
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Gender | Male |
Language(s) | Norman French, & Germanic languages |
Name day | October 28 |
Origin | |
Meaning | "Vehement protector" |
Region of origin | Northern Europe |
Other names | |
Alternative spelling | Will.i.am |
Nickname(s) | |
Related names | |
Popularity | see popular names |
[1] |
William is a masculine given name of French origin. It became very popular in the English language after the Norman conquest of England in 1066,[2] and remained so throughout the Middle Ages and into the modern era. It is sometimes abbreviated "Wm." Shortened familiar versions in English include Will, Wills, Willy, Willie, Liam, Bill, and Billy. A common Irish form is Liam. Scottish diminutives include Wull, Willie or Wullie (as in Oor Wullie or the play Douglas). Female forms are Willa, Willemina, Wilma and Wilhelmina.