Willem

[lilyaldrin]

Any opinions on this as an alternative to William?

I think you'd be constantly saying, "no, not William, Willem, like Dafoe".

It would be a faff for little Willem.

I like it a lot. Cool name.

People would assume it's William/hear it as William. I have a William and he's always will now he's older never introduces himself as William anymore.

However if you prefer Willem go for it. Any welsh connections as Gwilym is welsh for William (I have probably misspelt it though)

This i a friends son's middle name with dutch heritage... I like it x

Sounds like a mispronunciation of a much nicer name.

Nice if you have Dutch heritage.

Lovely - if you live in the Netherlands. Otherwise he will spend his life correcting people. 'Tis a fantastic name, though.

We live in a big city so I don't think being a foreign name will be an issue in itself

I think it's a much nicer name than William, so if there may not be much need for clarification, or if clarifying isn't going to bother you much then I'd go for it!

Everyone will think you / your ds has a speech impediment.

Even in a 'big city' it will be questioned.

If I saw it written down I would presume its German and pronounce it Villem.

Of course, unless that's how you mean it to be pronounced, in which case, its fine, but only if you are German or Dutch or something. Otherwise, a little odd.