Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Williams
BoyWelsh, English· “son of William”
- Meaning
- son of William
- Origin
- Welsh, English
- Pronunciation
- WIHL-yuhmz
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,086
- US babies 2025
- 40
- Best rank
- #515 (1887)
- Peak year
- 1950
Meaning and origin of Williams
Williams is a Welsh and English name that means “son of William”.
Williams is a patronymic surname meaning son of William, and it became one of the most common family names in Wales when Welsh families adopted fixed surnames based on a father's first name. William comes from the Germanic Willahelm, made of wil, will or desire, and helm, helmet or protection. Using Williams as a first name is rare, and it follows the fashion for surname names ending in -s, like Brooks, Hayes and Rhodes. It is said WIHL-yuhmz. Families often choose it to carry forward a mother's maiden name, and Will or Liam can handle daily use.
Popularity over time
Williams has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 74 different years. Its best national rank was #515 in 1887, and the most babies received it in 1950, when 86 were named Williams. In 2025, 40 babies were named Williams, and it ranked #3,086 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #784 in 1920, #746 in 1950, #1,653 in 1980, #2,132 in 2000, #3,179 in 2010, and #3,086 in 2025. Of the 6,126 US boys named Williams since records began, 10% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 603 babies. Since 2010, 699 more have been named Williams.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Wardell, Cleve, Gaylon, Gaylen, and Lawrance.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Williams ranked highest in Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #2070 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Williams is usually pronounced WIHL-yuhmz, with two syllables. It has eight letters, starts with W and ends in “-ms”.
Middle names for Williams
A few middle names that flow with Williams: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Williams
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Lists that include Williams
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Williams mean?
Williams is a Welsh and English name that means “son of William”.
What is the origin of the name Williams?
Williams has Welsh and English roots. Williams is a patronymic surname meaning son of William, and it became one of the most common family names in Wales when Welsh families adopted fixed surnames based on a father's first name.
Is Williams a popular name?
Not especially. Williams ranked #3,086 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Williams a boy or girl name?
Williams is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Williams?
Williams is usually pronounced WIHL-yuhmz. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings