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Billy

Billy

Updated: by Olivia Mittak

Billy is a cute name that gives a cool notion for both boys and girls. It has been especially popularized for girls through singer Billie Eilish, though spelled differently. What was once solely a nickname is now a top 900 name in America.

Meaning and Origin of the Name Billy:

Billy is a diminutive of the name William. The original nickname for this latter option, however, was Bill. For this reason, some believe that Billy became a diminutive of sorts for Bill. The name means “protection”. Billy has German origins. There are a number of famous people with this name, like Billy Ray Cyrus and Billy Joel.

Symbolism of the Name Billy:

Billy means “protection” as it has the same origins as the baby name William. This means that it accepts the same meaning as this more formal name. A sword and shield can be a great symbol for this name.

Nicknames for the Name Billy:

Although Billy is often a nickname itself, there are many nickname options for it. Some of them are connected to William, which Billy is often a nickname for. Check out all of these options, and pick the one that fits your child the best:

  • Bill
  • Ill
  • Illy
  • Illie
  • Will 
  • Lee 
  • Bills
  • Ills
  • Billy Boo
  • Billykins
  • Willy
  • Wills
  • Billster
  • Wiley

Style of the Name Billy:

Modern

Gender of the Name Billy:

Billy can be a trendy girl's name. It has also enjoyed long-term popularity for boys.

Pronunciation of the Name Billy:

BIL-ee

Number of Syllables in the Name Billy:

Two

Emotion Evoked From the Name Billy:

Depending on who has the name, Billy can feel rugged and traditional. Some individuals with the name, however, give off a more cool and trendy vibe.

Alternative Spellings for the Name Billy:

  • Billie
  • Billee
  • Billeigh
  • Billi
  • Billey
  • Bili

Popularity of the Name Billy:

Billy was a standalone name option on the top 100 list from 1922 to 1980. The name was even a top 50 name from 1925 to 1946 and a top 20 name from 1930 to 1935. Billy has descended some as a name choice in more recent years, however; as of 2022, it has fallen out of the top 1,000 names, according to the Social Security Administration.

Great Middle Names for Billy and Their Meanings:

Famous People with the Name Billy:

  • Billy Joel (stage name of William Joel, singer)
  • Billy Graham (stage name of evangelist, William Graham)
  • Billy Idol (punk singer)
  • Billy the Kid (outlaw)
  • Billy Ray Cyrus (stage name of William Cyrus, country music singer)
  • Billy Boyd (actor, “The Lord of the Rings”)
  • Billy Bob Thornton (actor, “Bad Santa”)
  • Billy Hargrove (character from “Stranger Things”)
  • Billy Nutter (character from “Jane by Design”)
  • Billy Cranston (character from “Power Rangers”)
  • Billy Madison (main character from “Billy Madison”)
  • Billy Peale (character from “American Gothic”)
  • Billy Bannister (character from “Dragons in Our Midst”)
  • Billy Thunderman (character from “The Thundermans”)
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