Alternatives to William

Will has definitely replaced Bill, not only as a nickname for William but as a stand-alone name as well, partly thanks to England's Prince William, also known as Wills. Currently outside the Top 1000 in the US and the UK, it wouldn't feel totally out of style.

Willa has become increasingly fashionable, with its combination of Willa (born Wilella) Cather-like pioneer strength and the graceful beauty of the willow tree.

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

Willfredo is a variation of the more common Wilfredo, which itself derives from the Germanic name Wilfred, composed of elements meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'peace.' This masculine name carries strong Spanish and Hispanic connections, particularly popular in Latin American countries. The doubled 'll' spelling is a less common variant that adds a distinctive touch to the traditional form. Willfredo offers several friendly nickname options, including Will, Willy, or Fredo. The name blends Germanic origins with Hispanic cultural influence, creating a cross-cultural appeal. Though not among the most common names in English-speaking countries, Willfredo has maintained steady usage within Hispanic communities, valued for its strong sound and meaningful heritage.

An unlikely place name today, but one that was found among enslaved people in the 1800s.

Williamson originated as an English surname meaning 'son of William,' making it a patronymic derived from the classic Germanic name William (composed of elements meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'helmet' or 'protection'). As a first name, Williamson represents the growing trend of using family surnames as given names, particularly in English-speaking countries. While relatively uncommon as a first name, it carries the strength and recognition of its more popular root, William. The name conveys a sense of tradition, heritage, and formality. Williamson appeals to parents seeking a distinguished name with clear lineage connections while maintaining uniqueness. Its use as a first name began primarily in the 20th century, offering a distinctive alternative to the extremely popular William.

There have been many great Willies (Mays, Nelson, Wonka), but a boy with this name could never ever go to England. Most people will also assume it is short for the more traditional William, which might be the best avenue for achieving this nickname.

Willoughby is an energetic last-name-first route to the popular short form Will, livelier than any of the two-syllable options. It could be picked up by parents attracted to the Willow sound for girls.

An ancient tree that figures in literature from Shakespeare to Harry Potter and is believed to possess magical powers, Willow is a lovely name, as graceful as its inspiration.

See WILLIE.

Chef Wolfgang Puck has helped soften this thunderous Germanic name; music-lovers will appreciate its association with Mozart, though the composer's middle name Amadeus is more appealing. With Wolf on the rise, however, and parents looking for bolder options, Wolfgang might just intrigue people with its historical feel .