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Home › Baby Names Directory › Willian

Willian

♂ Boy

Pronounced WIL-yən /ˈwɪl.jən/High

Meaning: A Brazilian/Portuguese spelling of William — from Germanic wil, 'will, desire', plus helm, 'helmet, protection' — 'a resolute protector'Medium

In 30 seconds: A resolute protector: Willian is a Brazilian William — 'a resolute protector'. Crisp, classic, and warm.
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Origin MediumGerman
MeaningA Brazilian/Portuguese spelling of William — from Germanic wil, 'will, desire', plus helm, 'helmet, protection' — 'a resolute protector'
U.S. rank (2025)#5033 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births20 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1929
Total births (all-time)≈ 4,074

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192918802025

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

Willian is a Brazilian and Portuguese spelling of William — from Germanic wil, 'will, desire', plus helm, 'helmet, protection' — 'a resolute protector'. A crisp, classic name; the -an spelling is common in Brazil (the footballer Willian Borges; said 'WIL-yən'; nickname Will).

In the U.S. it appears in Brazilian families. Rare in this spelling, a-resolute-protector at the root, and classic.

Did you know? William means 'a resolute protector' (Germanic wil, 'will', plus helm, 'helmet, protection') — Willian is a Brazilian -an spelling, crisp and classic (the footballer Willian; said 'WIL-yən').
Overall data confidence 65%
Behind the Name — William — root etymology

Variations

WilliamWillanWilian

Nicknames

Will

Famous Bearers

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If you like Willian…

William— the standard spelling
Liam— a kin William short form
Willem— the Dutch form
Kellan— another German name
Kaspian— shares the -an ending

Explore names like Willian

By themegermanbrazilian
By meaningProtector

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Willian mean?

Willian is a Brazilian William — Germanic 'a resolute protector'.

How do you pronounce Willian?

It's said WIL-yən /ˈwɪl.jən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Willian a boy or girl name?

Willian is a boy's name.

How popular is Willian?

Willian is a rare spelling in the U.S.; William is more common.

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