William

The Duke of Cambridge. Shakespeare. The 42nd president of the United States of America. Arsenal's famous French defender, Saliba. All are linked with one connection - their first names being William. William has Germanic roots, and takes its meaning from the German word ‘willeo', which means will or determination. When you combine 'willeo’ together with ‘helm’, which signifies helmet, safety and protection, you get William and the meaning of William is a fearless, stoic protector. The name was first seen in England back in 1066 due to the Norman Conquest. This was led by the Duke of Normandy, who went by the name of William. Upon a succession invasion, he was crowned the King of England and the name was associated with royalty from there. Another well-known William is none other than William Shakespeare. Widely regarded as England's greatest writer, he is known for his plays, poems and sonnets, including Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth. He also invented over 400 words, such as bandit, green-eyed and swagger.