Bill - Name Meaning and Popularity -

Meaning of Bill

As a male given name, Bill—pronounced bil (/bɪl/)—is the traditional English diminutive of William, itself derived from the Germanic Wilhelm (will/desire + helmet/protection). Originally a colloquial pet form, Bill rose to prominence in Anglo-American usage in the early 20th century, peaking in 1931 with over 3,000 births and a rank of 56. It maintained top-100 status through the mid-century before gradually yielding ground to longer or more novel names, landing at rank 902 in 2024 with just 22 recorded births. Despite this decline, Bill’s straightforward sound and unpretentious character have ensured its enduring presence—embodied by figures from Bill Gates to Bill Murray—and today lend it a quietly retro, dependable appeal.