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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Guillaume
Origin:
French variation of WilliamDescription:
An everyday name in France, a charismatic possibility here.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Uilliam
Origin:
Irish variation of WilliamDescription:
A spelling that would definitely attract a lot of attention -- and a certain amount of confusion as well.
- Viljami
Description:
Viljami is a masculine Finnish name that serves as the Finnish form of William. It derives from Germanic elements 'wil' meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection,' together signifying 'resolute protector' or 'determined guardian.' In Finland, Viljami is a well-established traditional name that has maintained steady popularity. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and carries a distinctly Nordic character while remaining accessible to speakers of other languages. Common nicknames include Vili or Ville. Outside Finland and Scandinavian communities, Viljami remains relatively uncommon, giving it an exotic appeal while still connecting to the familiar classic William. Parents might choose this name for its Finnish cultural heritage, pleasing sound, and strong underlying meaning.
- Vilmo
Description:
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.
- Uilleam
Origin:
Scottish variation of WilliamDescription:
Most Americans would take the easy way out and spell it Willem, as in artist de Kooning and actor Dafoe.
- Vilhelm
Origin:
German variation of WilliamDescription:
The way Wilhelm is pronounced anyway, so a pointless spelling variation.
- Vilous
Description:
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.
- Vilko
Description:
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.
- Vila
Description:
Vila is a masculine name with diverse origins across multiple cultures. In Slavic mythology, Vila refers to fairy-like creatures or nymphs that inhabit the wilderness. The name may also derive from Latin 'villa,' meaning 'country house' or 'estate.' In some South Slavic languages, Vila can mean 'fairy' or 'enchantress,' though when used as a masculine name it takes on different cultural contexts. The name remains relatively uncommon internationally but appears in various European countries, particularly those with Slavic heritage. Vila has a melodic quality with its short, flowing pronunciation, making it distinctive yet accessible. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel despite its traditional roots, appealing to parents seeking a unique name with mythological or nature-inspired connections.