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Willem

/VIL-əm/

Willem is a boy name of Germanic origin, meaning Resolute protector.

  • GenderBoy
  • OriginGermanic
  • StyleClassic
  • Syllables2
  • US rank#1,731

What does Willem mean?

Resolute protector

Willem is the Dutch form of William, from the Germanic wil ("will") and helm ("protection").

The story behind the name

Willem is the defining name of Dutch history. Willem van Oranje - William the Silent - led the revolt against Spanish rule that produced the Dutch Republic, and was assassinated in Delft in 1584. The Dutch national anthem, the Wilhelmus, is written in his voice and is the oldest national anthem in the world.

Willem III of Orange became William III of England, Scotland and Ireland in 1689. The current Dutch monarch is Willem-Alexander.

The name has never been out of Dutch use, and it has been climbing again since 2000 alongside other restored grandparent names.

Notable people named Willem

  • Willem van Oranje, leader of the Dutch Revolt
  • Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands
  • Willem de Kooning, painter

How popular is Willem?

Popularity in the United States

Willem has been given to 2,556 babies in the United States since 1916, peaking in the 2000s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.

About 1 in 27,500 babies born in the United States were given this name in the most recent year on record.

061122191619682020
Babies named Willem per year in the United States, 1916–2020. Source: Social Security Administration

Popularity in France

Willem has been given to 1,251 babies in France since 1926, peaking in the 2000s. It has held a steady level of use since.

02754192619742022
Babies named Willem per year in France, 1926–2022. Source: INSEE
2,556 Babies named since 1916
2000s Peak decade
Rising Recent trend

Variants and related names

Other spellings: William, Wilhelm, Guillaume, Wim

Related names: William, Wim, Liam, Wilhelmina, Pim

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Frequently asked questions about Willem

What does the name Willem mean?

Willem means Resolute protector. It is of Germanic origin.

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

Willem is most often given to boys.

How do you pronounce Willem?

Willem is pronounced VIL-əm.

How popular is the name Willem?

Willem has been given to 2,556 babies in the United States since 1916, peaking in the 2000s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.

What are other spellings of Willem?

Common variants include William, Wilhelm, Guillaume, Wim.