Updated March 14, 2024

Table of contents

Find Baby Names

Boy name origins & meanings

  • Irish: Unwavering protector
  • Germanic: Will, desire and helmet, protection
  • Hebrew: Determined Guardian, My people
  • Celtic/Gaelic: Unwavering protector

Liam is a shortened version of the popular Germanic name William, which dates all the way back to the Norman conquest of England in 1066. The meaning of Liam is  "helmet of will" or "guardian". It also comes from the Irish name Ulliam. It is a more modern take on the classic name and has only recently been widely used beginning in the 1980s in the UK.

Syllables: 2

Boy name variations

Lliam

Lliam

- 31% this year
Masculine
Rare
READ MORE DETAILS
Lyam

Lyam

+ 4% this year
Masculine
Rare
READ MORE DETAILS

How Popular Is The Name Liam

Famous people with this first name

Popularity of the name Liam 

According to Social Security Administration data, Liam was the most popular out of all baby boy names for 2023. Liam has held the number one position for the last four years, after remaining in the number two position for the three years prior. It has been in the top 20 names since 2011. 

However, it is the 17th most popular name on FamilyEducation.com.

According to Google search data analysis, in the last five years, Liam was at its peak in popularity in February 2019.

While the name Liam has become extremely trendy and one of today's most popular baby names, it is not new. The first use of the name Liam dates back for centuries, but it did not become popular outside of Ireland until the 1850s. Today, Liam regularly lands at the top of many popular baby name lists in the United States, Canada, Australia, Wales, and England. 

Liam is more popular right now than it has ever been thanks to stars like actors Liam Neeson and Liam Hemsworth. Liam is also a popular name for extremely famous English singers. Well-known celebrities named Liam include Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher and One Direction member Liam Payne.

Where is the name Liam Popular?

Nicknames for Liam

  • Li

Liam pairs well with these middle names

Liam meaning and origins