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Home › Baby Names Directory › Guilherme

Guilherme

♂ Boy

Pronounced gil-YAIR-muh /ɡilˈjɛʁ.mi/Medium

Meaning: The Portuguese form of William, from the Germanic Wilhelm — wil ('will, desire') plus helm ('helmet, protection') — so 'resolute protector' or 'will-helmet.' A very common name in Brazil and Portugal. Documented.Medium

In 30 seconds: The Portuguese William: Guilherme means 'resolute protector' (said 'gil-YAIR-muh'). Beloved across Brazil and Portugal.
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Origin MediumPortuguese
MeaningThe Portuguese form of William, from the Germanic Wilhelm — wil ('will, desire') plus helm ('helmet, protection') — so 'resolute protector' or 'will-helmet.' A very common name in Brazil and Portugal. Documented.
U.S. rank (2024)#12902 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2006
Total births (all-time)≈ 514

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200619212024

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

Guilherme is the Portuguese version of William, from the Germanic Wilhelm — wil ('will') and helm ('helmet, protection'). Long favored in Brazil and Portugal, it carries a classic, protective ring. A warm, heritage-rich pick (said 'gil-YAIR-muh').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S., though it is very common in Portuguese-speaking countries. Rare here, classic there, and strong.

Did you know? Guilherme is the Portuguese form of William, from Germanic roots meaning 'will' and 'helmet' — a resolute protector. It's a household name across Brazil and Portugal (said 'gil-YAIR-muh').
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Guilherme — Portuguese form of William ('will + helmet'); documented

Variations

GuilhermoGuillermoWilliam

Nicknames

GuiGuigaGu

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Guilherme…

Guillermo— the Spanish twin of the same name
Mateus— a like popular Portuguese pick
Rafael— a like classic Romance-language name
Henrique— a like Portuguese royal-style choice

Explore names like Guilherme

By themeheritageclassicportuguese
By meaningProtector

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Guilherme mean?

Guilherme is the Portuguese form of William, from Germanic roots meaning 'will' and 'helmet,' so 'resolute protector.'

How do you pronounce Guilherme?

It's said gil-YAIR-muh /ɡilˈjɛʁ.mi/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Guilherme a boy or girl name?

Guilherme is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Guilherme?

Guilherme is rare for boys in the U.S. but very common in Brazil and Portugal.

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