Will
Will is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Resolute protector or strong-willed warrior.
Origin and history
Will is traditionally a short form of William, derived from Germanic roots meaning 'resolute protector'. While commonly used as a nickname, it has long functioned as a independent given name in the United States. It remains a classic and recognizable choice for boys.
Popularity in the United States
45,952 babies in the United States have been named Will since 1880. It ranks #536 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1023.
States where it is most popular
- TX (11.3 %)
- MS (9.1 %)
- AL (8 %)
- GA (7.1 %)
- CA (6.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 6,196 |
| 1890-1900 | 5,210 |
| 1900-1910 | 3,246 |
| 1910-1920 | 3,162 |
| 1920-1930 | 3,423 |
| 1930-1940 | 2,402 |
| 1940-1950 | 2,161 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,999 |
| 1960-1970 | 2,100 |
| 1970-1980 | 2,232 |
| 1980-1990 | 2,349 |
| 1990-2000 | 2,927 |
| 2000-2010 | 4,446 |
| 2010-2019 | 2,978 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,121 |
Famous people named Will
- Will Smith: actor, rapper
- Will Ferrell: actor, comedian
- Will Arnett: actor, comedian
Fun facts
- Although originally a short form for William, Will has been given as an official full name in the US for over a century.
- The element 'wil' stems from Proto-Germanic *wiljô, meaning 'will', 'desire', or 'resolution'.