Liam

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Liam

Gender: Masculine
Language: English, Irish
Etymology:
Liam is an Irish diminutive for William (or Uilliam, to take a Gaelic form), the English form of a Germanic name Wilhelm, or Willahelm. Originally it meant “Resolute,” or “Will”, from “wil” and “Helmet” or “Protection,” from “helm.”

History:
Liam is a fairly modern diminutive, not appearing before the 17th century, and possibly not until the 19th. It has become fairly popular in recent years.
Please see William for additional information.

Pronunciation: lee-am.

Famous Bearers:
Artists and Authors:
Liam O’Flaherty (1896-1984)
Irish novelist.

Political Figures:
Liam Cosgrave (1920-)
Irish Prime Minister.

Singers and Entertainers:
Liam Neeson (William Neeson) (1952-)
Irish actor.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
less than 0.004 % named Liam

Popularity of Liam:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1970: N/A
1970-1980: 968th most popular.
1980-1990: 701st most popular.
1990: 619th most popular.
1991: 623rd most popular.
1992: 583rd most popular.
1993: 507th most popular.
1994: 364th most popular.
1995: 239th most popular.
1996: 185th most popular.
1997: 164th most popular.
1998: 156th most popular.
1999: 143rd most popular.
2000: 143rd most popular.
2001: 133rd most popular.
2002: 113th most popular.
2003: 115th most popular.

In Ireland...
1998: 30th most popular.
1999: 21st most popular.
2000: 26th most popular.
2001: 24th most popular.
2002: 26th most popular.
2003: 24th most popular.