Liam
How to say it: LEE-um · /ˈliəm/
Irish short form of William, from Germanic 'will' + 'helm', meaning 'resolute protector'.
Liam was the most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 20,818 babies (Social Security Administration). The 2020s are its busiest decade so far, its births are up about 14% in ten years, and it is projected to hold at #1 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #1 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 20,818 |
| Share of births | 1 in 157 |
| Peak decade | 2020s |
| Change over 10 years | +14% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #1 |
| In France, 2025 | #4 among boys’ names, 2,365 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Currently at #1, Liam is enjoying its strongest era in the 2020s. Resting at its peak, it seems likely to hold steady.
What goes with it
Mellow and soft, Liam feels strong and travels well in two compact syllables. Owen shares its easy strength.
Middle names that flow with Liam →
Honouring a Liam in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Liam is about 1 in 7.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Danish, English, Finnish, French, German, Irish, Norwegian, Swedish.
In France: #4 for boys in 2025.
England and Wales: #68. Ireland: #7.
Famous people named Liam
- Liam Hemsworth (born 1990)Australian actor
- Liam Cunningham (born 1961)Irish actor
- Liam Lawson (born 2002)New Zealand motor racing driver
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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