Billy – Name Meaning
The name Billy is a popular English given name, derived from the diminutive form of William. It is most commonly used as a nickname for William, but can also be used as an independent given name.
Origin and History
The name Billy has its roots in the Old Germanic language, where it was originally spelled “Willihelm”. This was eventually shortened to “Will” and then further shortened to “Bill” or “Billy”. The name has been in use since at least the 12th century, when it was recorded in England as a personal name.
The popularity of the name Billy increased significantly during the 20th century, particularly in the United States. It was one of the top 100 names for boys born in the US between 1940 and 1969. In recent years, however, its popularity has declined somewhat.
Popularity
Billy is still a popular name in many countries around the world. In England and Wales, it was ranked as the 77th most popular name for boys born in 2018. In Scotland, it was ranked as the 59th most popular name for boys born in 2018. In Ireland, it was ranked as the 48th most popular name for boys born in 2018.
In the United States, Billy was ranked as the 545th most popular name for boys born in 2018. This is down from its peak popularity during the mid-20th century when it was one of the top 100 names for boys.
Famous People Named Billy
There are many famous people who have been given the name Billy throughout history. These include:
- Billy Graham, American evangelist and spiritual leader
- Billy Joel, American singer-songwriter
- Billy Crystal, American actor and comedian
- Billy Bob Thornton, American actor and director
- Billy Idol, English musician and songwriter
Conclusion
The name Billy is a popular English given name that has been in use since at least the 12th century. It is derived from the diminutive form of William and is most commonly used as a nickname for William, but can also be used as an independent given name. The popularity of Billy has declined somewhat in recent years, but it is still a popular choice among parents looking for a unique yet traditional baby boy’s name.
