International Variations of William
Classic William has been well used throughout the years.
There are many handsome forms of William used internationally, such as French Guillermo, German Wilhelm, Hungarian Vilmo, and Welsh Gwylym.
Here is our full list of international variations of William, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.
RELATED:
- Liam
Origin:
Irish short form of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
Liam is the top boys' name in the US, holding the Number One spot for the past eight years and also ranking as one of the most popular boys' names around the western world.
- Wolf
Origin:
Animal name or diminutive of Wolfgang, GermanMeaning:
" traveling wolf"Description:
Wolf is a name with a split personality. It can be seen as one of the fierce animal names, like Fox and Bear and Puma, with a touch of the werewolf, or it can be viewed as a quieter, Wolf Blitzer kind of name, fairly common in German (where is pronounced Vulf) and Jewish families, sometimes as a short form of Wolfgang, or even Wolfram or Wolfhart.
- Gwilym
Origin:
Welsh variation of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
The Welsh version of William is almost unheard-of across, but it's fairly straightforward and could make a good heritage choice or alternative honor name.
- Guillermo
Origin:
Spanish variation of WilliamDescription:
As with Guillaume (see above), Liam, Willem, and Wilhelm, everyday Williams in their own countries, Guillermo is a captivating possibility here. Giermo, Gigermo, Gijermo, Gillermo, Gillirmo, Giyermo, Guermillo, Guiermo Guilermón, Guille, Guillelmo, Guillermino, Guillo, Guirmo, Gullermo, Llermo, Memo, Quillermo.
- Wilhelm
Origin:
German variation of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
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, philosophers Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz, and physicist Wilhelm Roentgen, who discovered the X-ray. It now sounds rather dated in Germany, however, having dropped out of the Top 20 there in the late 1920s and continuing to decline since.
- Guillaume
Origin:
French variation of WilliamDescription:
An everyday name in France, a charismatic possibility here.
- Vilhelm
Origin:
German variation of WilliamDescription:
The way Wilhelm is pronounced anyway, so a pointless spelling variation.
- Willem
Origin:
Dutch variation of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protector"Description:
Common in Holland, the appealing Willem (as in de Kooning and Dafoe) makes William fresh and distinctive.
- Willem
Origin:
Dutch variation of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protector"Description:
Common in Holland, the appealing Willem (as in de Kooning and Dafoe) makes William fresh and distinctive.
- Guillo
Description:
Guillo is a masculine name with roots in Spanish and Latin American cultures. It likely originated as a diminutive or nickname form of Guillermo, the Spanish equivalent of William, which has Germanic origins meaning 'resolute protector' or 'strong-willed warrior.' The shortening of names is common in Spanish-speaking cultures, where affectionate diminutives are frequently used. Guillo has a distinctive, rhythmic sound with its two syllables and strong ending. While not extremely common as a formal given name, it maintains usage primarily in Spanish-speaking countries and communities. The name has a friendly, approachable quality while still connecting to the more formal Guillermo's rich history and meaning.
- Vilem
Description:
Vilem is a masculine name of Czech and Slovak origin, equivalent to the English William and German Wilhelm. It derives from Germanic elements 'wil' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection), thus meaning 'determined protector' or 'resolute guardian.' Popular throughout the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Vilem carries a strong cultural identity while maintaining international recognition through its connection to the William name family. The name has been borne by notable figures in Czech history and literature, including the poet Vilem Mrštík. With its distinctive sound and spelling, yet familiar roots, Vilem offers parents a name that stands out while still connecting to a widely recognized naming tradition across European cultures.
- Guilherme
Description:
Guilherme is the Portuguese form of the Germanic name Wilhelm, which is composed of the elements 'wil' meaning 'will, desire' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet, protection'. Popular throughout Brazil and Portugal, Guilherme has been consistently used over centuries and ranks among the top names in Portuguese-speaking countries. It carries associations of strength, determination, and nobility. The name has recognizable variants across different languages including William (English), Guillaume (French), and Guillermo (Spanish). Bearers include Brazilian footballers Guilherme Leicam and Guilherme Siqueira, giving the name a contemporary sporty image while maintaining its classic appeal.
- Guglielmo
Origin:
Italian variation of WilliamDescription:
William is a stylish classic right now, and while translating many classic names into Italian makes them instantly cooler and more attractive, this is one exception: Guglielmo presents pronunciation problems for the English speaker, suggesting the less-than-cool word "googley" followed by the even-less-cool-than-that Elmo.
- Uilliam
Origin:
Irish variation of WilliamDescription:
A spelling that would definitely attract a lot of attention -- and a certain amount of confusion as well.
- Vilek
Description:
Vilek is a rare masculine name with possible Slavic or Eastern European origins. In Czech and Slovak languages, names with the suffix '-ek' often indicate a diminutive or affectionate form, suggesting Vilek might be derived from names like Vilém (the Czech form of William) or related to 'vil' elements in Slavic languages. The name carries a strong, distinctive sound that's concise yet memorable. Despite its brevity, Vilek projects strength and individuality. The name remains uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it appealing to parents seeking truly distinctive options. Its short, straightforward pronunciation and spelling give it practical advantages while still maintaining an exotic, international quality that stands out in most communities.
- Guillermino
Description:
Guillermino is a masculine name that represents an elaborated form of Guillermo, the Spanish equivalent of William. The name has Germanic origins, derived from elements meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'helmet' or 'protection,' suggesting a sense of determined guardian. The suffix '-ino' adds a diminutive or affectionate quality, common in Spanish and Italian naming patterns. While Guillermo is widely used throughout Spanish-speaking countries, Guillermino is considerably rarer, offering a more distinctive alternative. The name has a warm, rolling sound with its multiple syllables and the characteristic Spanish double-L pronunciation. It carries connotations of strength tempered with affection and might appeal to parents seeking a name with Hispanic roots that stands out from more common choices while still honoring tradition.
- Gigermo
Description:
Gigermo is an uncommon masculine name with uncertain origins. It may be a variant spelling of Guillermo, the Spanish form of William, which derives from the Germanic elements 'wil' meaning 'will, desire' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet, protection.' As a rare variation, Gigermo lacks significant historical documentation or widespread usage in most cultures. The name might also represent a unique creation or adaptation from a local dialect. Due to its rarity, there are few notable bearers of this name, and it does not appear in most popularity rankings worldwide. Its distinctive sound pattern gives it a memorable quality for parents seeking a highly uncommon name.
- Welfel
Description:
Welfel is an unusual masculine name with Germanic linguistic roots. This rare surname-turned-given-name likely derives from old German occupational terms, possibly related to weaving or wool-working trades. The name carries a distinctive sound that sets it apart from more common Germanic names. Welfel has remained extremely uncommon as a first name throughout history, with very limited documentation of its use. This rarity gives it a certain exclusivity for the few who bear it. The name possesses a sturdy, traditional quality in its consonant structure while maintaining an air of mystery due to its obscurity. Parents might choose Welfel seeking a truly unique name with European heritage, though they should be prepared to frequently explain and spell it.
- Vili
Description:
Vili is a masculine name with deep roots in Norse mythology, where Vili was one of three brothers (along with Odin and Vé) who created the world. The name derives from Old Norse elements meaning 'will' or 'desire,' reflecting determination and purpose. Common in Nordic countries, particularly Finland and Iceland, Vili offers a short, distinctive alternative to more elaborate Norse names. Its brevity makes it easily pronounceable across cultures while maintaining its Nordic character. In Finnish culture, the name has maintained steady usage throughout the years. Vili projects qualities of creativity, leadership, and primal strength through its mythological connections. Its simple two-syllable structure gives it a modern feel despite its ancient origins.
- Vilppu
Description:
Vilppu is a masculine Finnish name with historical roots in Finland's naming tradition. Derived as a Finnish variation of the name William or Wilhelm, which has Germanic origins meaning 'resolute protector' or 'determined guardian.' This distinctively Finnish adaptation carries the strength and dependability of its source while expressing Finnish linguistic patterns. Uncommon outside Finland and Finnish communities, Vilppu represents cultural heritage and linguistic distinctiveness. Traditional in character, the name has maintained modest usage in Finland throughout generations rather than following dramatic popularity trends. The double 'p' gives the name a strong, distinctive sound characteristic of Finnish phonology. Vilppu appeals particularly to those with Finnish heritage or parents seeking an authentically Nordic name with historical depth.