Wil
Wil is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Resolute protector or desire.
Origin and history
Wil is a modern reduced spelling of William or Wilmer, originating from Germanic roots meaning desire or protection. In the United States, it is relatively rare as a standalone legal name, though frequently used as a short form.
Popularity in the United States
1,094 babies in the United States have been named Wil since 1880. It ranks #3594 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1882.
States where it is most popular
- CA (52 %)
- OH (24 %)
- TX (24 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 5 |
| 1960-1970 | 32 |
| 1970-1980 | 63 |
| 1980-1990 | 126 |
| 1990-2000 | 312 |
| 2000-2010 | 358 |
| 2010-2019 | 153 |
| 2020-2029 | 45 |
Famous people named Wil
- Wil Wheaton: Actor, Writer
- Wil Traval: Actor
- Wil Wilford: Athlete
Fun facts
- Wil developed primarily as a streamlined single-L spelling of the traditional nickname Will.
- While rare as an official birth certificate name, Wil remains constantly recognizable due to the classic status of William.