The William Surname
William Name Meaning and History
English: from the Norman form of an Old French personal name
composed of the Germanic elements wil ‘will’, ‘desire’ +
helm ‘helmet’, ‘protection’. This was introduced into England
at the time of the Conquest, and within a very short period it became
the most popular personal name in England, mainly no doubt in honor of
the Conqueror himself.
Dictionary of American Family Names, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-508137-4
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