Willem
Willem is a boy's name of Dutch origin.
Meaning
Resolute protector or resolute helmet.
Origin and history
Willem is the Dutch cognate of William, derived from ancient Germanic roots meaning resolute protector. It offers a classic European feel while remaining a distinct choice in the United States. In recent years, it has maintained a steady, modest presence among U.S. birth records.
Popularity in the United States
2,840 babies in the United States have been named Willem since 1880. It ranks #2431 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1586.
States where it is most popular
- CA (31.9 %)
- NY (20.8 %)
- MI (8.7 %)
- TX (7.5 %)
- IL (5.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 8 |
| 1920-1930 | 18 |
| 1930-1940 | 5 |
| 1940-1950 | 5 |
| 1950-1960 | 30 |
| 1960-1970 | 71 |
| 1970-1980 | 62 |
| 1980-1990 | 112 |
| 1990-2000 | 443 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,002 |
| 2010-2019 | 743 |
| 2020-2029 | 341 |
Famous people named Willem
- Willem Dafoe: Actor
- Willem de Kooning: Artist, Painter
Nicknames
Will, Liam, Wim
Fun facts
- Willem has historically been borne by multiple monarchs of the Netherlands, including the current King Willem-Alexander.
- It shares the exact same Old High German roots as William, Wilhelm, and Guillaume.