William
WILLIAM (A.S. Wilhelm, O. Norse Vilhidlmr; O. H. Ger. Willahelm, Willahalm, M. H. Ger. Willehelm, Willehdm, Mod.Ger. Wilhelm; Du. Willem; 0. Fr. Villalme, Mod. Fr. Guillaume; from " will," Goth, vilja, and " helm," Goth, hilms, Old Norse hidlmr, meaning possibly " one who wills to protect" ), a masculine proper name borne by many European sovereigns and others, of whom the more important are treated below in the following order: (i) kings of England and Scotland. (2) Other sovereigns in the alphabetical order of their states. (3) Other ruling princes. (4) Prelates, Chroniclers, etc.
Note - this article incorporates content from Encyclopaedia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, (1910-1911)
