Meaning: Its source is Uilleam, a Gaelic name meaning "Determined protector."

Languages: This boy's name is used in English and Irish Gaelic.

Nickname For: William and Uilleam

Popularity: The name Liam ranked 127th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics.

This name first made its appearance on state popularity lists of the 1990s, and has been trending upward in usage ever since.

Narrative: Uilliam is the Gaelic form of William, which ultimately derives from a Germanic expression.