William comes from the Germanic name Willahelm, meaning "helmet of will" (from the elements wil - "will, desire" and helm - "helmet" or "protection"). This name was popular amongst Normans and became extremely popular in England following the Norman invasion and conquest of William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England. Several other English, Scottish, and Dutch kings have borne the name as well. It has been one of the most consistently popular names of all time, although it did dip a little in the latter half of the 20th century before rising again.