Getting Started

Deciding on baby's name is one of the most important decisions you'll have to make during your pregnancy (but really, no pressure!). Finding a great baby name can also be a lot of fun. Whether you're looking for baby names for girls or boys, it's a good idea to figure out the basics first. Do you like the idea of using a well-known, traditional baby name or are you looking for something more quirky? How attached are you to the meaning behind your baby's name? Is there a certain baby name origin you want to concentrate on? We've put together the ultimate guide to baby names to help you find the ideal fit. Get started by browsing through tons of baby name lists to narrow down your search. Our lists divide baby names up by origin (everything from Italian baby names to Japanese names), gender (baby boy names and baby girl names), and name types (celebrity baby names to unique baby names). Each baby name detail page will give you the important info you need: baby name meanings, baby name rankings, suggestions, and more. Try out our innovative baby namer tool to search through thousands of baby names. Don't forget to check out the fun stuff like our baby name style quiz and articles, all written to help you on your baby name search. Still can't find the name you're looking for? Check out name suggestions from members of TheBump.com community and share your own favorites on our Baby Names board!

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william

origin: English

meaning: Strong-willed Warrior

and flow in usage, but William has remained popular pretty much ever since it came into play. It comes from the Germanic Wilhelm, which breaks down into “will/desire” (wil) and “protection/helmet” (helm). Oddly enough, the name became wildly popular in England after the Norman invader William the Conqueror stormed in and took control in 1066. Since then, the name’s never really left common usage. It became so popular, in fact, that rumor tells of a Normandy Christmas event hosted by Henry the Young King in the twelfth century where 110 knights named William gathered for dinner and refused to allow anyone into the room with them unless they were named…you guessed it, William. In the US, it’s been in the top 20 since at least 1880, and barely dropped out of the top five until the ’60s and the top 20 in the ’80s and ’90s. It’s currently moving back up, with some thanks likely owed to Prince William of the British Royal Family. Popular nicknames include Will and Bill, but the trendy Liam is another good option.