William Norton Baird was the father of singer Billie Eilish’s grandfather. He was born on January 12, 1927, in Orange, New Jersey. His life was simple and quiet, and he lived far from the limelight. Nobody knew much about him until Billie Eilish became a celebrity.
William died on February 20, 2001, just before Billie was born. Even though she never got to meet him, he remains an integral part of her life story.
Quick Facts About William Norton Baird
| Full Name | William Norton Baird |
| Birthdate | January 12, 1927 |
| Occupation | N/A |
| Husband/Wife | Edith Shaw Baird (married until her death in 1987) |
| Died | 2001 |
| Age | 74 years old at the time of death |
| Parents | Collier Whittemore Baird |
| Siblings | Billie Eilish, FINNEAS |
| Children | Maggie Baird (Billie Eilish’s mother) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
The Family Connection
William was wedded to Edith Shaw Baird. She was born on June 19, 1930, in Toronto, Canada. She died in 1987. Together, they had children who include Maggie Baird, Billie Eilish’s mom.
Maggie grew up to be an actress and a musician. She brought love and creativity to raising Billie and her brother Finneas. The Baird family always encouraged the arts.
Why Billie Is Named After Him
Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell is her official name. Her first name, “Billie,” was named after her grandfather, William. Her second middle name, “Baird,” was her mother’s maiden name. This indicates the emphasis she places on family.
Billie has spoken on interviews saying that she did not like her name when she was growing up. However, once she matured, she realized the significance of her name. She now proudly bears her grandfather’s name.
A Quiet Life with a Major Legacy
There is not much publicly known about William’s line of work or interests. Some individuals on the internet have claimed he potentially worked at a school. Others have mentioned he was a kind and friendly man. However, these things are not verified.
What is known is that he made a big impact on his family. Although he was not a public figure, his name still lives on thanks to Billie Eilish.
READ ALSO: Billie Eilish Net worth, Age, Boyfriend, Family, Facts & More
Billie Never Met Her Grandfather
William passed away in 2001, and Billie was born in the latter part of the year. She once mentioned in an interview that she never met any of her grandparents. Nonetheless, she does feel a connection to William through her name. Her family tends to share stories and memories about him.
It’s obvious that her family loved him so much. Naming Billie in his honor was one way to keep his memory alive.
A Name That Endures
Names do carry power. For Billie, her name is not just a name. It’s a connection to where she came from. It reminds her of her ancestors. Her grandfather’s name will never leave her—on stage, in the news, and in her mind.
Despite William not living to witness Billie becoming an adult, his name is now famous throughout the world.
