Billy
Literal root meaning: “will + helmet”
About the name Billy
Billy is a boy name with Proto-Germanic roots, literally “will + helmet”. It is related to William, which is where the meaning comes from.
It has a classic, unique feel. In 2025, Billy ranked #1068 for boys in the US, with 203 babies given the name. Its peak year since 1940 was 1941. Since 2000, 99% of US babies named Billy were boys.
Etymology
A diminutive of William, which comes from Proto-Germanic, meaning “will” + “helmet”.
Name meaning adapted from Wiktionary (“Billy”, “William”) by Wiktionary contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- US rank 2025
- #1068
- In 2015
- #810
- Babies in 2025
- 203
Popularity of Billy, 1940–2025
Latest SSA data: 2025.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration national baby names (public domain; names given to at least 5 babies of one sex per year).
Names similar to Billy
Name meanings marked or linked “Wiktionary” are adapted from Wiktionary by Wiktionary contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; each name page links its source entry.