Boy

Liam

LEE-um

Top 10 → Stable

✦ Meaning

“Irish diminutive of 'Uilliam' (William), meaning 'resolute protector'. Exploded in popularity as a distinctly Irish name with modern appeal and strong Celtic roots.”

Popularity Over Time

Liam US popularity rank over timeRank 3954 in 1947 to rank 1 in 2017. Lower rank numbers are more popular.#1#1978#395419471960198020002024

Currently ranked #1 in the United States.

Origin

GermanicIrish

Syllables

2

Style

ModernMinimalStrongSoftTimeless

Famous Bearers

  • Liam Neeson (actor)
  • Liam Payne (One Direction)
  • Liam from Family Guy

Cross-Cultural Notes

Irish name with near-universal appeal across English-speaking cultures

People Also Ask

Irish diminutive of 'Uilliam' (William), meaning 'resolute protector'. Exploded in popularity as a distinctly Irish name with modern appeal and strong Celtic roots.

Liam is currently ranked #1 in the United States. Usage has stayed pretty consistent over the past decade.

Liam works beautifully as a full name and does not lend itself to an obvious short form. Most parents see that as a feature.

Names that pair beautifully with Liam include Noah, Finn, Ava, Isla.