Find out how popular the first name Uilliam has been for the last 11 years (from 2013 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Uilliam by gender

Based on the last 11 years of data, Uilliam is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Uilliam.

The history of the first name Uilliam

The given name Uilliam originated from the Old German name Willihelm, which consisted of two elements - "wil" meaning "will or desire" and "helm" meaning "helmet or protection." The Germanic peoples who spoke this ancient language lived in parts of modern-day Germany and the Netherlands during the early medieval period, around the 5th to 8th centuries AD.

Over time, the name evolved into different spellings and forms, such as William, Wilhelm, and Uilliam, as it spread across Europe. The spelling "Uilliam" is particularly associated with the Gaelic languages spoken in Ireland, Scotland, and parts of England. It became popularized in these regions during the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Uilliam can be found in the Annals of Ulster, an ancient chronicle of medieval Irish history. This text, written in the 15th century, mentions "Uilliam Búrc" (William Burke), an Anglo-Norman knight who was active in Ireland in the late 12th century.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Uilliam. One of the most famous was Uilliam Wallace (c. 1270-1305), the Scottish knight and leader of the Wars of Scottish Independence against England. Another prominent bearer was Uilliam the Conqueror (c. 1028-1087), the Norman king who invaded and conquered England in 1066.

In the 16th century, Uilliam Shakespeare (1564-1616), the renowned English playwright and poet, was a significant cultural figure who carried this name. Another notable Uilliam was Uilliam Tyndale (c. 1494-1536), the English scholar who was instrumental in translating the Bible into Early Modern English.

During the 17th century, Uilliam Penn (1644-1718), the English Quaker leader and founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, was a prominent bearer of the name. He played a crucial role in the early development of the American colonies.

While these are just a few examples, the name Uilliam has been borne by numerous individuals throughout history, reflecting its enduring popularity and cultural significance across various regions and time periods.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Uilliam was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Uilliam, please contact us.

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