Will
How to say it: WIL · /ˈwɪl/
Short form of William; from Old High German 'Willahelm', meaning resolute protector or will-helmet.
Will was the 1,056th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 170 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1880s, its births are down about 36% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #1,234 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 | #1,056 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 170 |
| Share of births | 1 in 19,502 |
| Peak decade | 1880s |
| Change over 10 years | −36% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #1,234 |
| In France, 2025 | #1,000 among boys’ names, 25 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Once at its fullest in the 1880s, Will has grown much rarer since. Now far below that height, further slipping is expected.
What goes with it
Compact and smooth with a steady ring, Will feels strong and familiar. Jack pairs easily with it.
Nicknames
- Willie
- Bill
Honouring a Will in the family
- Williepet form
- Williamequivalent
- Willemequivalent
- Guillermoequivalent
- Guillaumeequivalent
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Will is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, German.
In France: #1,000 for boys in 2025.
Famous people named Will
- Will Poulter (born 1993)British actor
- Will Rogers (1879–1935)American humorist and entertainer
- Will Patton (born 1954)American actor
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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