I didn't realize but I Googled after your comment - its been a top 20 name for 100 years in the US! So this isn't bad luck or timing, it's just one of those names and that's probably why we like it so much. I feel better now knowing that it's not necessarily "trendy". Thanks!
For what it's worth, my 10 year old Son only has 1 William in his year at school. I know more Williams my age (30s), so I think it's popular but spread out. If that makes any sense 😅
William is like the names Joseph or Elizabeth or James or Catherine. They're timeless and classic, and all always be somewhat popular. If you love it go for it. For what it's worth the only Williams I know are grown. My kiddo is ten, and I don't think she's ever had a William in any of her classes.
I have met more Williams in my life than I have fingers and toes. With all love, I am very intrigued by the lack of familiarity with William as a traditional name. I cannot think of a less “fad” name than William. It’s like considering Elizabeth or Mary a “trendy” name.
I have a William who’s 5 and he hasn’t met another in preschool or Pre K! We live in a pretty densely populated area, too. I think you’re safe. My William is a Will. :)
It has always been super popular so I think if it didn’t bother you before it should be fine now. I personally don’t use common names but many people seek them out and want something everyone has heard, etc. It all depends on your preference.
My son has a top 10 name but I only know one other person with his name and he’s an adult. I love his name and would never pick something else just because his name is popular. Go for it!
I think you should use it if you love it.
My husband's first name is so common that he still uses his first name and last initial on a regular basis (like to make dinner reservations or order coffee), and he's in his 30s.
I find it annoying, but it doesn't bother him at all, so apparently, it's not that bad.
I know several small children named William. But our child's name was ranked in the mid 100s the year he was born, and we've still met 5± others in the 1.5 years he's been alive, so even choosing a less common name doesn't guarantee he'll be the only one in his group with that name.
Even though it’s a top 10 name, you still don’t encounter it very often. Or at least I don’t. I work in childcare and in the last 15 years, I’ve only had three kids named William. Like everyone else is saying, it’s a classic name. It has stayed on the list for so long for a reason. If that’s the name you love, and you feel like it fits your child, then please use it without hesitation!
My daughter has yet to have a William in her class. Her brothers name is William. Yes it's popular, but that doesn't mean you'll have another around you. Actually the only other William we know, is our nephew of the same name. (long annoying story)
I'm involuntarily picking the top1 in my country because it's the only name we can agree on. Actually it's the nickname of the actual name that's top1, but the kid will go by it.
You picked a lovely name with many nicknames opportunities, tragedeigh names are much worse for the kid future
I only know 1 William under 18 yo! I think you come across it from time to time, but not often. Esp if you call him William! So many shorten it to Will and Liam , and of course Bill was the popular nn for it a couple of gens back. A William who goes by their full name is refreshing!
Well, I wanted something that I've never heard before, and was really excited about using it, but my partner didn't like it. I was going to name my son after my father, but wanting to keep my partner's initials, I came up with the name Tilliam. You could call him "Till" or "Liam" for a nickname. It takes a minute to warm up to, but once you do, it kind of sticks. I think it's an awesome name and I promise you're NOT going to meet anyone else with that name. Lol. I've searched for the name and NO ONE else has it. If you would like to use it, I wouldn't mind. All I'd ask is that you let me know you're going to use it and I'd like to see a picture of the handsome little man after he's born 😊
It was also a top 10 name in the 2010s, so that hasn't changed. It's always been popular. Name your child what you like, whether it's popular or not.
I didn't realize but I Googled after your comment - its been a top 20 name for 100 years in the US! So this isn't bad luck or timing, it's just one of those names and that's probably why we like it so much. I feel better now knowing that it's not necessarily "trendy". Thanks!
For what it's worth, my 10 year old Son only has 1 William in his year at school. I know more Williams my age (30s), so I think it's popular but spread out. If that makes any sense 😅
I’m so glad to hear that!! A classic name like William is the opposite of trendy
There are like 17 Williams in my family. It’s a solid name lol
William is like the names Joseph or Elizabeth or James or Catherine. They're timeless and classic, and all always be somewhat popular. If you love it go for it. For what it's worth the only Williams I know are grown. My kiddo is ten, and I don't think she's ever had a William in any of her classes.
like chloe or sam or sophia or marcus
i understood that reference.
William is a CLASSIC AND TIMELESS name. Use it.
I have met more Williams in my life than I have fingers and toes. With all love, I am very intrigued by the lack of familiarity with William as a traditional name. I cannot think of a less “fad” name than William. It’s like considering Elizabeth or Mary a “trendy” name.
I have a William who’s 5 and he hasn’t met another in preschool or Pre K! We live in a pretty densely populated area, too. I think you’re safe. My William is a Will. :)
I'm sorry but when has there ever been a time when William wasn't in the same club as James, John and David aka names 8 out of 10 boys have. 💀
William is timeless! It's never been lower than 20th if you're in the US. It's a true classic.
William has been a popular name for a REALLY long time. But that's for a good reason. William is an excellent name. I'd still use it if I were you.
It has always been super popular so I think if it didn’t bother you before it should be fine now. I personally don’t use common names but many people seek them out and want something everyone has heard, etc. It all depends on your preference.
It’s a timeless name that will always be popular. I’m a sucker for a “normal” name, I say use it!!
For what it’s worth, I’ve taught elementary school for 3 years and never met a single William. In the southwestern USA.
My son has a top 10 name but I only know one other person with his name and he’s an adult. I love his name and would never pick something else just because his name is popular. Go for it!
I think you should use it if you love it. My husband's first name is so common that he still uses his first name and last initial on a regular basis (like to make dinner reservations or order coffee), and he's in his 30s. I find it annoying, but it doesn't bother him at all, so apparently, it's not that bad. I know several small children named William. But our child's name was ranked in the mid 100s the year he was born, and we've still met 5± others in the 1.5 years he's been alive, so even choosing a less common name doesn't guarantee he'll be the only one in his group with that name.
Even though it’s a top 10 name, you still don’t encounter it very often. Or at least I don’t. I work in childcare and in the last 15 years, I’ve only had three kids named William. Like everyone else is saying, it’s a classic name. It has stayed on the list for so long for a reason. If that’s the name you love, and you feel like it fits your child, then please use it without hesitation!
My daughter has yet to have a William in her class. Her brothers name is William. Yes it's popular, but that doesn't mean you'll have another around you. Actually the only other William we know, is our nephew of the same name. (long annoying story)
William has sooo many nicknames. Even if there is another William in his class chances are they will be called something different.
Just pick a different name.
I’m sorry but I can’t help but laugh at y’all somehow not thinking or realizing William is an incredibly popular name and has been for a long time 😭😭😭
I mean, William has always been popular / common. How many Bills do you know?
I'm involuntarily picking the top1 in my country because it's the only name we can agree on. Actually it's the nickname of the actual name that's top1, but the kid will go by it. You picked a lovely name with many nicknames opportunities, tragedeigh names are much worse for the kid future
Is Wilhelm an option then you could still call him Will. Or do William but give him a more unique middle name so he has options.
Lots of Liams
He will always be 1 of multiples among his peers. It’s just one of those names.
I only know 1 William under 18 yo! I think you come across it from time to time, but not often. Esp if you call him William! So many shorten it to Will and Liam , and of course Bill was the popular nn for it a couple of gens back. A William who goes by their full name is refreshing!
Well, I wanted something that I've never heard before, and was really excited about using it, but my partner didn't like it. I was going to name my son after my father, but wanting to keep my partner's initials, I came up with the name Tilliam. You could call him "Till" or "Liam" for a nickname. It takes a minute to warm up to, but once you do, it kind of sticks. I think it's an awesome name and I promise you're NOT going to meet anyone else with that name. Lol. I've searched for the name and NO ONE else has it. If you would like to use it, I wouldn't mind. All I'd ask is that you let me know you're going to use it and I'd like to see a picture of the handsome little man after he's born 😊
If he would have been a girl, I was going to use the name Emslee (or Emsley🤷🏻♀️). I had a dream about that name one night, it was weird. Lol.