William is a particularly versatile name. There are so many different variations of the name, that you can create just about any persona around the name William. The full name, William, creates an image of a powerful presence, such as a doctor or executive. Keeping your name as William carries with it a dignity and professionalism that many people desire. The name seems to demand respect just in the way it sounds.
The more fun loving soul might choose to be called Bill. Short and sweet, Bill is a great name for a dad or a sports player. A young William might want to be called Billy.
For the more distinguished William that still wants a nickname, Will is a popular variation. Will carries the feeling of stability while not sounding quite as posh as the full version of William. Willy is a fun variation of the shortened Will.
William is a name a young guy can grow up with. As a baby, he can be a cute Billy or Willy. As he enters his teenage years he may prefer the more distinguished, yet still fashionable Will or Bill. Of course, depending on his chosen career, he may choose to be called William as an adult.
Because of the many variations of the name and the different personas that they seem to indicate, William has become a very versatile name. This might be one of the reasons for the immense popularity of the name among American males.
If you are considering naming your son William, you are choosing a good name with a rich history. Keep in mind that the name William is the fifth most popular name in the United States. Chances are your little guy will not be the only Billy in his class. But because the name is so versatile, your son will probably thank you in the future for giving him a name he can use in whatever profession he chooses.