Boy · 581st of 24,088
Will
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
46,439
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1888
Peak Popularity Year
712
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Will 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
The name 'Will' originates from Old English, meaning 'desire' or 'willpower', and evolved from historical forms such as 'Willa' and 'Wyll'. It is often viewed as a strong and determined name, with no direct biblical relevance. The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages and remains well-regarded today, associated with notable individuals.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/wɪl/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name 'Will' is derived from the Old English word 'willan', meaning 'to want' or 'to wish'. It is often considered a short form of 'William', which means 'resolute protector' or 'determined guardian'.
Meaning
desire, willpower
Language Evolution
Old English: Willa, Middle English: Wyll, Modern English: Will
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Middle Ages, particularly after the Norman Conquest, when 'William' became a common name among the nobility.
Variants & Derivatives
William, Willie, Bill, Billy
Modern Popularity & Image
Will is perceived as a strong, masculine name that conveys determination and a sense of purpose. It remains popular in contemporary culture.
Famous People
Will Smith, Will Ferrell, Will Rogers
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 712 peak births in 1888
Geographic Spread
Popular across 44 US states, with strongest presence in Mississippi
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 1 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 11 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 235th of 7545 | 8,628 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 371st of 6773 | 4,289 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 518th of 7552 | 4,001 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 549th of 10718 | 3,475 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 618th of 16616 | 3,977 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 581st of 24088 | 6,580 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 925th of 23106 | 2,822 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1875th of 9107 | 353 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2938th of 9204 | 172 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 8038th of 12526 | 33 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 19264th of 19264 | 5 |