Name Legacy

William

Recorded 1880–2025 · United States

William was most popular in 1947, when 67,156 American babies were given the name — ranking #6 that year. In 2025 it ranked #16, with 10,552 births. Across 1880–2025 the Social Security Administration has recorded 4,215,725 people named William.

Most popular in1947
Rank that year#6
Births that year67,156
Total since 18804,215,725

William over time

18802025
Births per year. The dot marks William’s peak in 1947. Gaps are years the SSA suppressed, which it does for any name given to fewer than five babies.

Origin

Germanic · "resolute protector"

Names that peaked alongside William

Where William is most concentrated

How much more common the name is in each state than across the country as a whole.

Explore further

See William on the interactive charts

Source: U.S.A. Social Security Administration. Years 1880–2025. namelegacy.org