Will
Boy name · 152 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Will: 152 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 12 births in 2009.
Will is a short form of William, which comes from the Old Norman French *Williame*, itself derived from the Germanic *Wilhelm* — a compound of *wil* (will, desire) and *helm* (helmet, protection), meaning "resolute protector." The name has been borne by countless historical figures, most notably William Wallace, the 13th-century Scottish knight and hero of the Wars of Independence, and William Shakespeare, the English playwright whose works remain cornerstones of world literature. The name also connects to places like Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, named after King William III. As a standalone name, Will has a friendly, approachable feel, and it shares its root with the popular Scottish surname Wilson, meaning "son of Will."
Boy 24 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 200912 babies
- Latest (2023)
- #7283 babies
- Total births
- 152since 1998
- 5-year trend
- ▼ 17%vs prior 5y