Bill vs Liam

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Bill

Boy #4,669 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"resolute protector"

Origin: Old High German Willahelm

Cultural Roots

English American Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#4,669
Total SSA Count
22
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Billy, Willy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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Liam

Boy #1 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"strong-willed warrior"

Origin: Irish

Cultural Roots

Irish English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1
Total SSA Count
22,164
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Lee

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Liam →

Popularity Comparison

Bill Rank #4,669
Liam Rank #1

Liam is more popular, ranked #1 vs #4669 for Bill.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Bill ___

  • Bill James
  • Bill Robert
  • Bill Thomas
  • Bill Henry
  • Bill Edward
  • Bill John

Liam ___

  • Liam James
  • Liam Alexander
  • Liam Thomas
  • Liam Michael
  • Liam Patrick
  • Liam Joseph

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Bill

Bob Jack Tom Joe Betty

If you choose Liam

Olivia Emma Noah Charlotte Sophia

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bill or Liam more popular?

Liam is more popular, ranked #1 compared to Bill at #4669 in the United States.

What do Bill and Liam mean?

Bill means "resolute protector" (Old High German Willahelm origin). Liam means "strong-willed warrior" (Irish origin).

Are Bill and Liam boy or girl names?

Bill is primarily a boy name. Liam is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Bill ← Full profile: Liam Browse all baby names