Wilhelm

At a Glance

Meaning

Will/desire + protection (helmet) — i.e., 'resolute protector'

Origin

Germanic (Old High German)

Gender

Primarily used for boys

Pronunciation

VIL-helmListen

Wilhelm (VIL-helm) is a Germanic name from Old High German, built from two parts: will or desire, and protection, as in a helmet. Put together, it reads as 'resolute protector.' It's a name with a strong, steady sound and a meaning that's easy to explain to relatives.

Meaning & Origin of Wilhelm

Meaning: Will/desire + protection (helmet) — i.e., 'resolute protector'.

Origin: Germanic (Old High German).

Source: Wiktionary.

How to Pronounce Wilhelm

Popularity of Wilhelm

Wilhelm peaked in the U.S. at #833 in 1885, when 7 babies were given the name, and by 2024 it had slipped to #4300 with 25 babies. That makes it a rarely heard name today, so a child named Wilhelm is unlikely to share it with classmates.

Names Like Wilhelm

These names have followed a similar path to Wilhelm in U.S. popularity over the years.

• Wilber
• Azelie
• Amil
• Lavina
• Clemente
• Lilla

FAQ

What does the name Wilhelm mean?

Will/desire + protection (helmet) — i.e., ‘resolute protector’. (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Wilhelm?

Wilhelm is pronounced VIL-helm (IPA: /ˈvɪlhɛlm/).

Is Wilhelm a popular name right now?

Wilhelm peaked at #833 in 1885 and is ranked #4300 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)

Make Wilhelm Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Wilhelm, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.