Boy · 1st of 23,106
Liam
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
338,059
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2024
Peak Popularity Year
22,198
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Liam stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Liam is an Irish name meaning 'strong protector', derived from the Germanic Wilhelm through the Irish Uilliam. The name has evolved through several historical forms and has gained significant popularity since the 1990s. It is perceived as modern and strong, with no direct biblical relevance.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/liːəm/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
Liam is a short form of the Irish name Uilliam, which is derived from the Germanic name Wilhelm. The name combines the elements 'wil' meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection'.
Meaning
strong protector
Language Evolution
Uilliam, William, Liam
Historical Usage
Liam gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in Ireland and among Irish descendants in other countries. It has become increasingly popular in the English-speaking world since the 1990s.
Variants & Derivatives
Liam, Liamán
Modern Popularity & Image
Liam is currently viewed as a modern and trendy name, associated with strength and reliability. It has consistently ranked among the top names for boys in many countries.
Famous People
Liam Neeson, Liam Hemsworth, Liam Payne
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Consistently Rising
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 22,198 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 9 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 8 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2117th of 7552 | 278 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 956th of 10718 | 1,144 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 476th of 16616 | 6,291 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 70th of 24088 | 93,172 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1st of 23106 | 236,655 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 24966th of 27321 | 7 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 9427th of 35406 | 173 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4800th of 30306 | 339 |