Guillermo

Pronunciation: [ gw-ihly-EHRM-oh ]

Boy Name #833 Most Popular Steady 3 Syllables

The Spanish William with a warm Mexican heart

Spanish Latin American Filipino Portuguese

Classic Strong Sophisticated Traditional

Meaning & Origin

"resolute protector"

Origin: Old High German wil (will) + helm (protection)

Language: Germanic

"determined guardian"

Origin: Willahelm via Old German

Language: Old German

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.

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

Famous People Named Guillermo

Guillermo Ochoa

Athlete

1985

Mexican goalkeeper considered one of the best in Mexican football history

Guillermo Rodriguez

Entertainer

1970

Beloved security guard-turned-TV personality on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Guillermo del Toro

Entertainer

1964

Oscar-winning Mexican filmmaker known for Pan's Labyrinth and The Shape of Water

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

Pairs Well With

Guillermo Alejandro Guillermo Antonio Guillermo Eduardo Guillermo Rafael Guillermo Miguel Guillermo Carlos Guillermo Jose

Sibling Names

Fernando Ricardo Alejandra Lucia Isabella Sebastian Valentina

Also a Girl Name

Guillermo is also used as a girl name, ranked #63147.

View Guillermo as a girl name →

Similar Names

Willis Willard Wilson Wilhelm Killian Willem Liam Lyam

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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.