Williams
Below 5 births
2025 SSA
About Williams
Williams is a patronymic surname that has evolved into use as a given name. Derived from the Germanic name Wilhelm (composed of elements meaning 'will, desire' and 'helmet, protection'), it literally means 'son of William.' As a first name, Williams maintains the distinguished, traditional quality of its surname origins. It's particularly popular in English-speaking countries, often chosen by families honoring ancestral surnames or seeking a formal, sophisticated option for their sons. While primarily used for boys, Williams carries a professional, timeless appeal that resists passing trends. The name offers familiar nickname options like Will or Bill, though many prefer using the full name to preserve its dignified character.
Williams is also given to girls.
Pronounced WIL-yumz.
As of October 2026, Williams ranked #12156 in US births in 1981 SSA, peaked at #5391 in 1958.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #3,036 | 38 | 19.8 |
| 2015 | #2,719 | 45 | 23.5 |
| 2016 | #3,226 | 36 | 19 |
| 2017 | #2,887 | 42 | 22.7 |
| 2018 | #2,504 | 52 | 28.6 |
| 2019 | #2,804 | 45 | 25.1 |
| 2020 | #3,132 | 37 | 21.4 |
| 2021 | #2,770 | 46 | 26.3 |
| 2022 | #3,095 | 40 | 22.9 |
| 2023 | #2,413 | 57 | 33.3 |
| 2024 | #2,542 | 53 | 30.8 |
| 2025 | #3,086 | 40 | 23.4 |
Similar names
These 20 names were selected by our users looking for other names like Williams.
Williams on lists
Famous Williamss
- Robin WilliamsBoy
American actor and comedian
- Venus WilliamsBoy
American tennis player, sister to Serena Williams
- Serena WilliamsBoy
American tennis player, sister to Venus Williams
- Monterrio WilliamsBoy
American rapper
- Lefabian WilliamsBoy
American rapper
- Tekomin WilliamsBoy
American rapper
- Pharrell WilliamsBoy
American rapper
- Betty WilliamsBoy
winner of the Nobel Peace Prize
- Jody WilliamsBoy
winner of the Nobel Peace Prize
- Hayley Nichole WilliamsBoy
singer of American band Paramore
- Maisie WilliamsBoy
British actress
Williams in pop culture
- Rory WilliamsBoy
character on "Doctor Who"
- WilliamsBoy
Sonoma, upscale chain offering high,end cookware, house,label kitchen accessories & gourmet goods