"resolute protector"
Origin: Germanic
Language: English
Will
Pronunciation: [ w-IHL ]
Boy Name
#1,283 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
1 Syllable
A timeless one-syllable name backed by Shakespeare and royalty
English
American
German
Classic
Minimalist
Strong
Playful
Meaning & Origin
"will, desire, helmet"
Origin: Old High German
Language: English
The Story of Will
Will is a short form of William, derived from the Old High German Willahelm, composed of wil (will, desire) and helm (helmet, protection), meaning resolute protector or strong-willed warrior. Used as a standalone name, Will carries all the history of one of the most enduring names in the English language while feeling fresh and modern. It has been a given name in its own right since at least the medieval period.
Will gained standalone popularity in the 1990s-2000s partly through Will Smith, who became one of the biggest entertainers in the world. The name fits the trend toward short, punchy names that work at all ages and in all contexts.
Will Shakespeare (William Shakespeare) is the most famous bearer, making the name inseparable from English literary culture. Prince William of Wales, now King William V's future title, also maintains the name's royal prestige. Will Smith transformed it into a pop culture touchstone.
Fun Facts
- William has been the most popular name for English kings, with four medieval kings bearing the name
- Will Smith chose to go by his nickname professionally, helping establish Will as a standalone given name
Will in Other Languages
French
Guillaume
German
Wilhelm
Italian
Guglielmo
Spanish
Guillermo
Portuguese
Guilherme
Famous People Named Will
P
Prince William
Royalty
1982
Prince of Wales and heir apparent to the British throne
W
Will Smith
Actor
1968
American actor, rapper and producer, one of Hollywood's biggest global stars
W
Will Shakespeare
Writer
1564
English playwright and poet, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #1,283
- Total SSA Count
- 153
- Cultural Origins
- English American German
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Pairs Well With
Will Thomas
Will James
Will Alexander
Will Henry
Will Edward
Will Robert
Will George
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Will is also used as a girl name, ranked #71412.
View Will as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Will
What does the name Will mean?
"resolute protector" (from Germanic). "will, desire, helmet" (from Old High German). Will is a short form of William, derived from the Old High German Willahelm, composed of wil (will, desire) and helm (helmet, protection), meaning resolute protector or strong-willed warrior. Used as a standalone name, Will carries all the history of one of the most enduring names in the English language while feeling fresh and modern. It has been a given name in its own right since at least the medieval period.
What is the origin of the name Will?
Will has Germanic, Old High German, English, American, and German origins. In Germanic, it means "resolute protector". In Old High German, it means "will, desire, helmet".
Is Will a boy or girl name?
Will is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1283. As a girl name, it is ranked #71412. Will is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Will?
Will is pronounced w-IHL.
How popular is the name Will?
Will is currently ranked #1283 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Will?
Popular middle name pairings include Will Thomas, Will James, Will Alexander, Will Henry, Will Edward, Will Robert, and Will George.
What are good sibling names for Will?
Names that pair well with Will as siblings include Jack, Sam, Max, Molly, Lucy, Kate, and Grace.
How many syllables does Will have?
Will has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Will a common or rare name?
Will is an uncommon name, ranked #1283 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Will
Will is a boy name with English, American, and German origins . The name means "resolute protector" in Germanic .
Is Will a boy or girl name? Will is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,283 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #71,412. Will is more commonly used as a boy name.
Will is currently ranked #1,283 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Will has 1 syllable and is pronounced w-IHL, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Will include William, Wilder, Wilson, Wiley, Willie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.