Meaning & Origin
A diminutive of the male given name William or, less often, other given names beginning with Wil-, such as Wilfred or Willard, from the Germanic languages; also used as a formal given name.
Will is a boy's and girl's baby name of Germanic origin, a short form of William, from the Old High German Willahelm, composed of wil (will, desire) and helm (helmet, protection), meaning 'resolute protector' or 'determined guardian.'
Will has been stepping out from William's shadow and standing confidently on its own. Will Smith, Will Ferrell, Prince William — the name has no shortage of prominent bearers across entertainment, politics, and royalty. Short, strong, and entirely self-sufficient, Will carries all of William's authority in a single crisp syllable.