Meaning and history
Wil is an English and Dutch short form of William and other Germanic names beginning with Wil-. William derives from elements meaning “will,” “desire,” or “determination” and “helmet” or “protection,” conventionally interpreted as “resolute protector.” The name family became especially prominent in England after the Norman Conquest under William the Conqueror. Wil is also used independently and should be distinguished from the more common spelling Will. Notable bearers include American actor Wil Wheaton and Dutch artist and designer Wil van der Laan.
20062006: 40 births, rank #2,832
2007: 38 births, rank #3,025
2008: 25 births, rank #4,044
2009: 19 births, rank #4,922
2010: 25 births, rank #3,994
20112011: 15 births, rank #5,675
2012: 15 births, rank #5,720
2013: 18 births, rank #4,981
2014: 12 births, rank #6,632
2015: 19 births, rank #4,890
20162016: 19 births, rank #4,943
2017: 13 births, rank #6,338
2018: 7 births, rank #9,670
2019: 10 births, rank #7,643
2020: 7 births, rank #9,554
20212021: 8 births, rank #8,825
2022: 12 births, rank #6,828
2023: 6 births, rank #10,821
2024: 7 births, rank #9,894
20252025: 5 births, rank #12,008
In 2025, 5 babies were recorded with the name Wil, ranking #12,008 among boys.