Alternatives to William

Rahaeim

Rahaeim is an unusual masculine name with possible roots in Arabic or Hebrew naming traditions, though it's not commonly found in standard name dictionaries. The name may be related to 'Rahim' or…

Rahamim

Rahamim is a masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning 'compassion' or 'mercy.' It derives from the Hebrew word 'rachamim,' which refers to deep, tender mercy or compassion, often used in religious…

Uilliam

Irish variation of William

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

Vilhelm

German variation of William

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

Willem

Dutch variation of William

"resolute protector"

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

Willfredo

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…

Williamsburg

English place name

"William's town"

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

Williamson

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…

Willoughby

English

"farm near the willows"

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…

Wolfgang

German

"traveling wolf"

A name with plenty of grandeur, but a playful nickname, Wolfgang blends sophistication, wildness, and gothic imagery. While it may feel surprising in this century, it does have an allure for those…