Willie

Willie is a Germanic name, functioning as a diminutive or pet form of William, which derives from the Old High German elements wil, meaning will or desire, and helm, meaning helmet or protection. The name William became enormously popular in medieval England following the Norman Conquest of 1066, and Willie emerged as its familiar short form, widely used in English-speaking countries. It has been borne by numerous notable figures, including American outlaw Willie Boylen and celebrated country musician Willie Nelson. Wilhelmina, Wilhelm, Bill, and Will are among its close relatives and cognates across various languages.