Updated October 2026
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German variation of William
"resolute protection"
This dignified German form of William belonged to two German Emperors and Kings of Prussia, as well as a host of other important historical figures. These include composer (Wilhelm) Richard Wagner,…
Variation of Wilhelmina, German
Classic Wilhelmina is still the dominant form of this name, but the more intuitive, streamlined Willamina is rising alongside it. The phonetic spelling eliminates some of Wilhelmina's bulk, taking it…
Diminutive of Wilhelmina, German and Dutch
Historically a diminutive of Wilhelmina, Elma's parent name and soundalike sisters are slowly stirring back to life as the trend for vintage baby names continues. With Alma on the rise in the US,…
Diminutive of Wilhelmina, German
"resolute protection; love"
One of those pan-European nickname names much more familiar in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe than in the US, though related name Mina is making a comeback here. Light and bright, it could be an…
Irish diminutive of William
A tiny percentage -- a tenth of one percent -- of babies named Liam in the US are girls. But Liam has been so popular for baby boys for so long, not only in the US but around the western world, that…
English, diminutive of William
Most Bills today are dads...or grandpas. The younger Williams are usually nicknamed Will, or called by their full names.
Variation of Ernest, English from German
"serious, resolute"
Not too long ago, Ernie may have felt totally out of style: a clunky old man nickname, best reserved for grandpa alongside Merle, Errol, and Barney. Now however, it's a rising star, a vintage revival…
Scottish diminutive of William, German, English
"resolute protection; from Wylye"
The Wylie spelling (with that feminine Y) is much more common among girls than Wiley, but both have been climbing the ranks. Could Wiley be the next Riley?
Polish diminutive of Mina, short form of Wilhelmina, German
In the contemporary US, Minka attracted notice via actress Minka Kelly, who played the gorgeous Lyla on Friday Night Lights . This cute and lively nickname name can (and does) certainly stand on its…
Diminutive of Wilhelmina or Willa, feminine forms of William, German
Willie is one of the adorable boyish nicknames newly fashionable for girls, rarer than Billie. It definitely makes the somewhat-fearsome Wilhelmina more fun and approachable. The -ie spelling…
Feminine form of Wiley
"resolute protection; from Wylye; willow"
A modern-meet-vintage fusion name, Wyla is a mixture of Willa, Wiley, Twyla and Lyla. Likely invented as a feminine form of Wiley, it may have its origins in the classic William ("resolute…
Diminutive of William
"resolute protector"
The cute short form gained prominence when it was used for young Prince William of England.
Compound name, blending Willa and Mae
"resolute protection + beloved, pearl, may"
A smoosh name with plenty of both vintage and Southern charm. It combines the familiar Mae with up and coming Willa, and might remind people of jazz dancer Willa Mae Ricker.
Turkish
"resolute and safe"
Yavuz Selim was a 16th-century sultan of the Ottoman Empire, which grew dramatically over his eight-year reign. Boys in Turkey are given this double-barreled first name in his honor.
Diminutive of Guilherme, Portuguese variation of William
Intriguing short form of Guilherme, heard in Portugal and Brazil. Guion Bluford was the first African American to go to space.
Scottish
Scottish surname-turned-nickname from William or its female equivalents. Wilkie has ranked for girls just a handful of times since US baby name records began.
Finnish, Swedish diminutive of William
A great choice for a native Swedish speaker, but not as user-friendly as some of the other international short forms of William — Pim (Dutch), Gwil (Welsh), and of course, Liam (Irish).
Maori
Maori form of William
Finnish variation of Ernest, English from German
Cooler than Ernest and less Muppet-like than Ernie, the Finnish Erno may be the best way to honor someone with an Ern- name.
Diminutive of Willem, contracted form of Wilhelm, Dutch, German
With a sound that brings to mind at once "whim," "vim," and "win," this is one Dutch boys' name with serious potential for use in the English-speaking world. Film director Wim Wenders brought this to…