"resolute protector"
Origin: Old High German wil (will) + helm (protection)
Language: Germanic
Guillermo
Pronunciation: [ gw-ihly-EHRM-oh ]
Does Guillermo flow with your last name?
The Spanish William with a warm Mexican heart
Spanish
Latin American
Filipino
Portuguese
Classic
Strong
Sophisticated
Traditional
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Meaning & Origin
"determined guardian"
Origin: Willahelm via Old German
Language: Old German
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The Story of Guillermo
Guillermo is the Spanish form of William, derived from the Old High German Willahelm, composed of wil (will, desire) and helm (helmet, protection). William was brought to England by the Normans in 1066 and became one of the most popular names in medieval Europe. As Spanish speakers adapted the Norman name, it became Guillermo, maintaining the original Germanic power while taking on a distinctly Iberian character.
Guillermo has been consistently popular throughout the Spanish-speaking world for centuries. In the United States, it remains steadily used in Latino communities. It gained English-language visibility through Guillermo del Toro, the acclaimed Mexican filmmaker.
The name carries the same royal and noble weight as its English equivalent William - borne by kings of Spain and throughout Iberian history. In Mexico and Latin America, Memo is one of the most beloved nickname traditions.
Historical Record
Guillermo first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 28,945 babies have been named Guillermo in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Guillermo is past its peak , currently ranked #833 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Guillermo del Toro has won the Academy Award for Best Director and Best Picture, among the most decorated Mexican filmmakers in history
- The nickname Memo for Guillermo is one of the more surprising Spanish diminutives - the connection is not obvious to non-Spanish speakers
Guillermo in Other Languages
Dutch
Willem
French
Guillaume
German
Wilhelm
English
William
Italian
Guglielmo
Portuguese
Guilherme
Popularity Over Time
#833
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1996
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Guillermo
G
Guillermo Ochoa
Athlete
1985
Mexican goalkeeper considered one of the best in Mexican football history
G
Guillermo Rodriguez
Entertainer
1970
Beloved security guard-turned-TV personality on Jimmy Kimmel Live
G
Guillermo del Toro
Entertainer
1964
Oscar-winning Mexican filmmaker known for Pan's Labyrinth and The Shape of Water
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Compare Guillermo with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #833
- Total SSA Count
- 297
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Latin American Filipino Portuguese
- Pronunciation
- Hard
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Common Nicknames
Memo
Guille
Willy
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Spanish heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Spanish heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Distinctive pick, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Guillermo
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Guillermo is also used as a girl name, ranked #63147.
View Guillermo as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Guillermo
What does the name Guillermo mean?
"resolute protector" (from Old High German wil (will) + helm (protection)). "determined guardian" (from Willahelm via Old German). Guillermo is the Spanish form of William, derived from the Old High German Willahelm, composed of wil (will, desire) and helm (helmet, protection). William was brought to England by the Normans in 1066 and became one of the most popular names in medieval Europe. As Spanish speakers adapted the Norman name, it became Guillermo, maintaining the original Germanic power while taking on a distinctly Iberian character.
What is the origin of the name Guillermo?
Guillermo has Old High German wil (will) + helm (protection), Willahelm via Old German, Spanish, Latin American, Filipino, and Portuguese origins. In Old High German wil (will) + helm (protection), it means "resolute protector". In Willahelm via Old German, it means "determined guardian".
Is Guillermo a boy or girl name?
Guillermo is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #833. As a girl name, it is ranked #63147. Guillermo is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Guillermo?
Guillermo is pronounced gw-ihly-EHRM-oh.
How popular is the name Guillermo?
Guillermo is currently ranked #833 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Guillermo?
Common nicknames for Guillermo include Memo, Guille, and Willy.
What are good middle names for Guillermo?
Popular middle name pairings include Guillermo Alejandro, Guillermo Antonio, Guillermo Eduardo, Guillermo Rafael, Guillermo Miguel, Guillermo Carlos, and Guillermo Jose.
What are good sibling names for Guillermo?
Names that pair well with Guillermo as siblings include Fernando, Ricardo, Alejandra, Lucia, Isabella, Sebastian, and Valentina.
How many syllables does Guillermo have?
Guillermo has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Guillermo a common or rare name?
Guillermo is moderately common, ranked #833 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Guillermo
Guillermo is a boy name with Spanish, Latin American, Filipino, and Portuguese origins . The name means "resolute protector" in Old High German wil (will) + helm (protection) .
Is Guillermo a boy or girl name? Guillermo is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #833 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #63,147. Guillermo is more commonly used as a boy name.
Guillermo is currently ranked #833 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Guillermo has 3 syllables and is pronounced gw-ihly-EHRM-oh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Guillermo include Memo, Guille, and Willy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis