International Variations of William

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 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.

Common in Holland, the appealing Willem (as in de Kooning and Dafoe) makes William fresh and distinctive.

Common in Holland, the appealing Willem (as in de Kooning and Dafoe) makes William fresh and distinctive.

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.

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.

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.

Vilous is an extremely rare masculine name with unclear etymological origins. It may be related to Latin-derived words like 'villous' (meaning covered with fine hairs) or possibly a variant spelling of 'villus.' Alternatively, it could be a modern invention or adaptation from another cultural naming tradition. The name has a distinctive sound that combines the familiar 'Vil-' prefix found in names like Villiam with an unusual ending. Vilous remains virtually uncharted in popularity rankings and statistical data, making it an exceptionally unique choice for parents seeking a truly distinctive name with a somewhat mysterious quality.

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.

Vilko is a masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly common in Croatian, Slovenian, and other South Slavic languages. The name derives from Slavic elements meaning 'wolf' or 'wolf-like,' reflecting the animal's importance in Slavic folklore and mythology where wolves represent strength, loyalty, and protection. Compact yet distinctive, Vilko carries a powerful natural symbolism within its two syllables. This name connects its bearer to Slavic heritage while working well across cultural boundaries due to its pronounceability. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Vilko represents an accessible option for parents seeking names with Eastern European roots or animal associations. The wolf symbolism gives the name a wild, untamed quality balanced by its approachable sound pattern.

The way Wilhelm is pronounced anyway, so a pointless spelling variation.

Vilmo is a masculine name with Finnish and Hungarian roots, functioning as a variant of the more common Vilmos or Vilhelm. These names derive from the Germanic Wilhelm, composed of elements meaning 'will, desire' and 'helmet, protection.' Vilmo carries a distinctly European feel with its characteristic 'o' ending, which is common in Finnish masculine names. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it enjoys moderate usage in its countries of origin. The name conveys strength and determination while maintaining a friendly, approachable quality. For parents seeking a distinctive international name with historical roots but a modern feel, Vilmo offers an appealing option.

Most Americans would take the easy way out and spell it Willem, as in artist de Kooning and actor Dafoe.

An everyday name in France, a charismatic possibility here.

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.

A spelling that would definitely attract a lot of attention -- and a certain amount of confusion as well.

Substituting the V for the W sounds almost comedic to the American ear.

An intriguing way to spin an old standard. Pronounced with a hard G: gee-yem.

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.