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Liam

/LEE-əm/

Liam is a boy name of Irish origin, meaning Resolute protector.

  • GenderBoy
  • OriginIrish
  • StyleModern
  • Syllables1
  • US rank#1

What does Liam mean?

Resolute protector

Liam is a short form of the Irish Uilliam, which is the Irish form of William, from the Germanic wil ("will, desire") and helm ("helmet, protection").

The story behind the name

William came to Ireland with the Normans and was gaelicised as Uilliam; Liam is the clipped everyday form that resulted. For most of its life it was a specifically Irish name.

Its export to the wider English-speaking world happened in the late twentieth century, and its rise was steep. Liam became the most popular boys' name in the United States in 2017 and stayed at number one for years - an unusual case of a diminutive comprehensively out-competing the full name it came from.

Notable people named Liam

  • Liam Neeson, actor
  • Liam Gallagher, musician
  • Liam Cosgrave, Taoiseach of Ireland

How popular is Liam?

Popularity in the United States

Liam has been given to 253,444 babies in the United States since 1947, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.

About 1 in 84 babies born in the United States were given this name in the most recent year on record.

010,29320,585194719832020
Babies named Liam per year in the United States, 1947–2020. Source: Social Security Administration

Popularity in France

Liam has been given to 42,016 babies in France since 1985, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.

01,8333,665198520032022
Babies named Liam per year in France, 1985–2022. Source: INSEE

Popularity in Spain

There are 6,598 people called Liam living in Spain, with an average age of 5.

253,444 Babies named since 1947
2010s Peak decade
Rising Recent trend

Variants and related names

Other spellings: Liem, Lliam

Related names: William, Will, Wilhelm, Guillaume, Willem

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Frequently asked questions about Liam

What does the name Liam mean?

Liam means Resolute protector. It is of Irish origin.

Is Liam a boy's or a girl's name?

Liam is most often given to boys.

How do you pronounce Liam?

Liam is pronounced LEE-əm.

How popular is the name Liam?

Liam has been given to 253,444 babies in the United States since 1947, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.

What are other spellings of Liam?

Common variants include Liem, Lliam.