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Uilleam

Boy name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Uilleam: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 3 births in 2013.

Uilleam is the Scottish Gaelic form of William, derived from the Old Norman French _Williame_, which itself comes from the Germanic roots _wil_ (will, desire) and _helm_ (helmet, protection), meaning “resolute protector.” The name was introduced to Scotland by Norman settlers in the 12th century and has remained a classic. One of its most famous bearers was Uilleam Ruadh (William the Red), a 14th-century Scottish nobleman and poet. The name is also shared with Uilleam of Dornoch, a 13th-century bishop. Though less common today, it remains a strong, traditional choice in Gaelic-speaking communities, and its English equivalent, William, has produced countless place names worldwide, including Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. Uilleam is distinct from the Irish variant Liam, though both share the same root.