William written in Chinese
威廉 is the standard Chinese transliteration used for foreign men named William in media, books, and formal references, but as a personal name it reads clearly as a borrowed foreign sound rather than a native Chinese given name.
3 real Chinese names for William
These are given names (the part after the family name) that echo the sound of William and read naturally to Chinese speakers.
1 · classic
Wěilín
“greatness and timely grace”
Wei-lin echoes the opening and flow of William in a smooth, natural Chinese way.
2 · elegant
Wénliàng
“cultured and bright”
Wen-liang picks up the wi-li shape of William while sounding fully native in Chinese.
3 · bold
Wēilín
“dignity with gentle grace”
Wei-lin is the closest natural echo to William, especially its first syllable.
A nickname friends might use
小威 Xiǎowēi: Little Wei; a friendly, easygoing nickname..
Add a Chinese family name
A full Chinese name puts the family name first: for example 李伟霖 (Lǐ Wěilín). Many people choose a Chinese surname that sounds like their own last name, and a given name that carries the element their birth chart lacks.
Get a Chinese name matched to you, not just to William
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Get my free Chinese profile →About the name William
William is a Germanic name meaning “resolute protector” or “strong-willed defender.”
Frequently asked questions
How do you say William in Chinese?
The standard transliteration is 威廉, pronounced Wēilián. 威廉 is the standard Chinese transliteration used for foreign men named William in media, books, and formal references, but as a personal name it reads clearly as a borrowed foreign sound rather than a native Chinese given name.
What is a good Chinese name for William?
Natural options that echo the sound of William: 伟霖 (Wěilín, “greatness and timely grace”); 文亮 (Wénliàng, “cultured and bright”); 威霖 (Wēilín, “dignity with gentle grace”). In a full Chinese name the family name comes first, followed by one of these given names.
How do you write William in Chinese characters?
As a transliteration: 威廉. As a real Chinese given name: for example 伟霖 (伟 = great, impressive, 霖 = timely nourishing rain).
Can I use 威廉 as my Chinese name?
You can, but Chinese speakers will read it as a foreign name. Most people who live, study or work with Chinese speakers prefer a short name with a Chinese family name and a meaningful given name.
More boys’ names starting with W
Walker · Waylon · Wesley · Weston · Wyatt
Pinyin generated from the characters; tones shown with marks. Updated 2026-11-05.