Robert vs William

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Robert

Boy #90 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"bright fame"

Origin: Old High German (hrod + beraht)

Cultural Roots

English French German Scottish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#90
Total SSA Count
3,785
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Rob, Bob, Bobby

Playground Safety Score

24 High Risk

{:type=>:nickname, :severity=>:medium, :message=>"'Robert' can be twisted to 'slobbert'"}

Full profile for Robert →

William

Boy #10 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"resolute protector, strong-willed guardian"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English German French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#10
Total SSA Count
10,596
Syllables
3
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Will, Bill, Billy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for William →

Popularity Comparison

Robert Rank #90
William Rank #10

William is more popular, ranked #10 vs #90 for Robert.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Robert ___

  • Robert James
  • Robert William
  • Robert Thomas
  • Robert Edward
  • Robert Charles
  • Robert John

William ___

  • William James
  • William Thomas
  • William Henry
  • William Alexander
  • William Edward
  • William Charles

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Robert

William James Elizabeth Catherine Edward

If you choose William

Charlotte Eleanor Amelia Olivia Henry

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 Robert or William more popular?

William is more popular, ranked #10 compared to Robert at #90 in the United States.

What do Robert and William mean?

Robert means "bright fame" (Old High German (hrod + beraht) origin). William means "resolute protector, strong-willed guardian" (Germanic origin).

Are Robert and William boy or girl names?

Robert is primarily a boy name. William is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Robert ← Full profile: William Browse all baby names