is william really that popular?!

[mxn164]

i'm surprised it's #3 on SSA list. I don't know any babies named William. We are considering it, but I'm not a fan of overused names. We considered Emma for our first child, but crossed it off our list after we realized how popular it was... is William the same thing?

[r_j]

Well, maybe check regional information, but I have having the same problem. I love William for a boy and was nervous about the popularity. However, my area seems to favor the more trendy names, so I think I am safe.

My name was #12 in my birth year and I never had another Rebecca in my class in a school of 600 people. Sometimes you just can't predict!

[rollo]

I don't think William is overused as the pp said her name was popular but she didn't have any problems, I think William will be fine, I would use it.

rollo

[claireelise]

William is a classic, it's popularity will always fluctuate, rise and fall over time. However, because it is a CLASSIC, I don't think it can be over-used. William will never be a name associated with any certain year or decade, as many popular names are (ie all the Ryans and Jennifers of the 70's and 80's, all the Madisons of the 90's, all the Avas and Aidans of the 2000's etc...). Besides, you're considering the middle name John, are you not? Can't get more well-used that John, can you? But I wouldn't call it trendy or popular, unless by popular you mean well-used and well-loved throughout the generations. William (or William John, or John William) is a strong, classic choice that will age well and that is totally timeless.

And if it helps, I know two little Williams - one is about 8, and one is 2 years old. I know no young Johns (the youngest one I know is perhaps 13).

[frustratedauthor]

It's definitely popular, especially in the Midwest and some Southern states. But it's not overdone. It's one of those classic names that won't sound dated despite rises and falls in popularity.

[trustedwriter]

I think a lot of people use "William" and then shorten it to "Will" or "Liam", so you don't hear a lot of parents addressing their baby by the full name. (I know a couple with a toddler they call Liam for short, but I'm pretty sure his full name is William.) It is definitely one of those classic favorites, though. It doesn't ever sound dated or necessarily trendy.

[dantea]

I only know a few William's and they're all older than me ^_^

I wouldn't worry about it. It's a great name and a timeless classic.

[kiskadee]

...yes. Yes it is. It's a classic name that has consistently held rank for years. I know plenty of Wills, Bills, and Billys. On the plus side, it will never really be dated because it's been so consistent and is a lovely name should you decide to use it.

[rowangreeneyes]

I think it is common but it's still striking and handsome to me. It never feels "over done" or boring. Of course, my husband's name is William so I am biased. Just for reference, I also know 3 little boys named William, 1 named just Will, and 1 named just Liam.