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Home › Baby Names Directory › Billy

Billy

♀ Girl

Pronounced BIL-ee /ˈbɪl.i/High

Meaning: A short form of William (and feminine Wilhelmina) — from the Germanic, 'a resolute protector; a strong-willed guardian' (wil, 'will', + helm, 'helmet; protection'); used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A resolute protector: Billy shortens William/Wilhelmina. Crisp, friendly, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for girls).
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Origin LowGermanic
MeaningA short form of William (and feminine Wilhelmina) — from the Germanic, 'a resolute protector; a strong-willed guardian' (wil, 'will', + helm, 'helmet; protection'); used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#7554 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births14 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1930
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,431

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 193018992025

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

Billy is a short form of William (and the feminine Wilhelmina) — from the Germanic, 'a resolute protector; a strong-willed guardian' (wil, 'will', + helm, 'helmet; protection'; routes layered, which we note). Used for both sexes, here for a girl (slug distinguished; said 'BIL-ee').

In the U.S. it appears for both sexes (often Billie for girls). Rare as a girl's name here, a-resolute-protector at the root, and friendly.

Did you know? William (and Wilhelmina) means 'a resolute protector' (wil, 'will', + helm, 'protection') — Billy is a friendly short form, used for both sexes (here for girls; the routes are layered, which we note; said 'BIL-ee').
Overall data confidence 36%
References — Billy — unisex; routes layered

Variations

BillieBilliBillye

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Billy…

Billie— a kin girls' spelling
Willa— a fellow William-rooted girls' name
Wilhelmina— the feminine source name
Millie— a sound-neighbor -illie girls' name

Explore names like Billy

By themeuncertainunisexgermaniccross-sex
By meaningStrengthProtector

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Billy mean?

Billy shortens William/Wilhelmina — Germanic 'a resolute protector'; used for both sexes; here for a girl. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Billy?

It's said BIL-ee /ˈbɪl.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Billy a boy or girl name?

Billy is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name (often spelled Billie).

How popular is Billy?

As a girl's name Billy is rare in the U.S.

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