liam

Liam is a masculine given name that originated as a shortened form of William in Ireland. In Irish, the name comes from Uilliam, the Irish form of Wilhelm, which itself derives from the proto-Germanic Wilhelm meaning "will, desire" and "helmet, protection." Over time, Liam evolved from a pet form into an established given name in many English-speaking countries, and today it is commonly used as an independent name rather than merely as a nickname for William. In contemporary usage, Liam is most often male and has become widely popular in the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other parts of the English-speaking world. The name rose in popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, appealing for its concise sound and modern feel.

Notable people named Liam include actors Liam Neeson, Liam Hemsworth, and Liam Cunningham; singers Liam Payne from One Direction, and Liam Gallagher of Oasis. The name also appears in fiction and media, reflecting its broad cultural reach.

Variants and related names include William and Uilliam in Irish, and shortened forms such as Will and Willie. While Liam is most often a given name, it is not commonly used as a surname.

Pronunciation in English is typically rendered as LEE-əm, with some variation by dialect.