Bill

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Bill

Pronounced BILL /ˈbɪl/High

Meaning: Short form of William — from Germanic wil, 'will, desire', plus helm, 'helmet, protection' — 'resolute protector'Medium

In 30 seconds: Plain-spoken and classic: Bill shortens William — 'resolute protector'. Friendly, sturdy, and timeless (an everyman name).

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Origin MediumGerman

MeaningShort form of William — from Germanic wil, 'will, desire', plus helm, 'helmet, protection' — 'resolute protector'

U.S. rank (2024)#4572 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births22 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1947

Total births (all-time)≈ 160,457

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Bill is a short form of William — from Germanic wil, 'will, desire', plus helm, 'helmet, protection' — 'resolute protector'. A friendly, sturdy, timeless nickname-name.

It registers thinly on its own today. Rare now, resolute-protector at the root, and sturdy.

Did you know? William means 'resolute protector' (Germanic wil + helm) — Bill is its rhyming, everyman nickname (a staple of the 20th century).

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — William — root etymology

Variations

BillyWilliamWill

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Bill…

Billy— the -y form

William— the full name

Will— a fellow William short form

Willie— another William pet name

Explore names like Bill

By themenickname-name german protector

By meaningProtector

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Bill mean?

Bill shortens William — 'resolute protector'.

How do you pronounce Bill?

It's said BILL /ˈbɪl/ — a single syllable.

Is Bill a boy or girl name?

Bill is a boy's name.

How popular is Bill?

Bill is a rare name on its own in the U.S. today.