What this page is for
Pressure-test the name before you fall in love with itSave it, try the middle-name page, and compare it against a few neighboring names before you decide it belongs in the final tier.
Name spotlight
William
Some names sound good for a minute and disappear the next day. Keep William close long enough to figure out whether it is genuinely one of your names or just part of the scroll.
U.S. rank #3.
Why people keep considering William
A quick read before you decide whether it deserves shortlist space
This is one of the most familiar names in the U.S., which usually means people recognize it instantly and already have a feel for it.
- Try saying William with your last name a few times.
- Picture calling William across a room or writing it on a school form.
- Keep it on the shortlist long enough to see whether it still feels right tomorrow.
Source: U.S. baby-name data through 2016.
Next steps
Three useful directions from here
Similar names
If William is close, these are worth checking next
U.S. rank #5
James
Open the full page, test pairings, and see whether this one belongs on the same shortlist as William.
U.S. rank #8
Michael
Open the full page, test pairings, and see whether this one belongs on the same shortlist as William.
U.S. rank #28
John
Open the full page, test pairings, and see whether this one belongs on the same shortlist as William.
U.S. rank #62
Robert
Open the full page, test pairings, and see whether this one belongs on the same shortlist as William.
U.S. rank #19
David
Open the full page, test pairings, and see whether this one belongs on the same shortlist as William.