Dutch form of WILLIAM. Willem the Silent, Prince of Orange, was the leader of the Dutch revolt against Spain that brought about the independence of the Netherlands. He is considered the founder of the Dutch royal family. In English he is commonly called William of Orange.
Famous People: Willem Barentswiki (Explorer, 1550, Netherlands), Frederik Willem de Klerkwiki (Politician, 1936, South Africa), Willem Dafoewiki (Actor, 1955, United States), Willem Einthovenwiki (Physician, 1860, Indonesia), Willem de Kooningwiki (Painter, 1904, Netherlands), Willem Dreeswiki (Politician, 1886, Netherlands)