Wilhelm

Wilhelm is a German form of the ancient Germanic name composed of the elements wil, meaning "will" or "desire," and helm, meaning "helmet" or "protection," conveying the sense of a determined protector. The name was carried into wide European use during the medieval period, borne by numerous German emperors and kings, most famously Kaiser Wilhelm I and Wilhelm II of the German Empire. Its influence spread across Europe, giving rise to cognates including William in English, Guillaume in French, Guillermo in Spanish, Vilhelm in Scandinavian languages, and Wim as a Dutch short form.