Names › Boys' names › L › Liam
Liam
Meaning: short form of William — 'will, protection' · Origin: Irish · Gender: usually a boy's name
Origin & history
An Irish short form of Uilliam (William), which comes from Germanic wil ('will') + helm ('helmet, protection').
Famous people named Liam
- Liam Neeson (actor)
- Liam Hemsworth (actor)
- Liam Payne (singer)
Nicknames
Li
Variants & related names
Uilliam, William
Liam name art
A free preview of a printable “Liam” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.
Instant download, no subscription. Not printed or shipped — you get a high-resolution PNG to print at home or at a print shop.
FAQ
What does the name Liam mean?
Liam means “short form of William — 'will, protection'”. It comes from Irish.
Is Liam a popular name?
Yes — Liam has been one of the most popular boys' names in the United States in the 2020s, according to US Social Security Administration baby-name data.
What are nicknames for Liam?
Li.
What are other forms of Liam?
Uilliam, William.
Similar names
Rory · Kieran · Desmond · Ronan · Kian · Aiden
More: names starting with L · all boys' names
Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.