Willem Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationVIL-um / /ˈvɪləm/Dutch; German
Meaning
Dutch: resolute protector; German: will helmet
Historical & Cultural Background
Willem is a Dutch and German name derived from the Old High German 'Willahelm', which combines elements meaning 'will' and 'helmet'. It has been a popular name in the Netherlands and among Dutch-speaking communities. The name has historical significance, being borne by various Dutch monarchs and notable figures throughout history.
Trend Summary
Willem has seen a gradual increase in popularity in the United States in recent years.
Similar Names
Variants
- Willems
- Wilhelm
International Variants
- Guillermo (Spanish)
- William (English)
- Wilhelm (German)
- Guglielmo (Italian)
Famous people named Willem
Willem de Kooning was a Dutch-American abstract expressionist painter known for his influential works in the mid-20th century.
Willem Dafoe is an American actor recognized for his versatile roles in films such as 'Platoon' and 'Spider-Man'.
Willem van Oranje was a key figure in the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule in the 16th century.
Willem II of the Netherlands was King of the Netherlands from 1849 until his death in 1890.
Fictional characters named Willem
Willem is a character in the video game 'The Last of Us Part II', known for his role in the story's emotional depth.
Willem is a character in the novel 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak, representing themes of loss and resilience.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Willem was first seen in the United States in 1916. Willem has ranked as high as #1199 nationally, which occurred in 2003, and has been most popular in California, New York, Michigan, Texas, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Willem has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Willem (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| MI | 7 | |
| NY | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1916 | 8 |
| 1921 | 5 |
| 1922 | 5 |
| 1927 | 8 |
| 1932 | 5 |
| 1941 | 5 |
| 1952 | 5 |
| 1956 | 8 |
| 1957 | 8 |
| 1958 | 9 |
| 1960 | 8 |
| 1961 | 6 |
| 1962 | 5 |
| 1963 | 10 |
| 1964 | 6 |
| 1965 | 5 |
| 1966 | 6 |
| 1967 | 10 |
| 1968 | 6 |
| 1969 | 9 |
| 1970 | 6 |
| 1971 | 11 |
| 1974 | 5 |
| 1975 | 12 |
| 1976 | 6 |
| 1977 | 7 |
| 1978 | 5 |
| 1979 | 10 |
| 1980 | 8 |
| 1981 | 10 |
| 1982 | 12 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1984 | 10 |
| 1985 | 8 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 7 |
| 1988 | 11 |
| 1989 | 32 |
| 1990 | 27 |
| 1991 | 25 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 40 |
| 1994 | 44 |
| 1995 | 35 |
| 1996 | 46 |
| 1997 | 53 |
| 1998 | 68 |
| 1999 | 75 |
| 2000 | 96 |
| 2001 | 79 |
| 2002 | 109 |
| 2003 | 122 |
| 2004 | 112 |
| 2005 | 107 |
| 2006 | 103 |
| 2007 | 105 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 71 |
| 2010 | 83 |
| 2011 | 74 |
| 2012 | 82 |
| 2013 | 86 |
| 2014 | 87 |
| 2015 | 67 |
| 2016 | 70 |
| 2017 | 56 |
| 2018 | 62 |
| 2019 | 76 |
| 2020 | 60 |
| 2021 | 75 |
| 2022 | 54 |
| 2023 | 50 |
| 2024 | 50 |