Liam began as an Irish short form of William, itself from Germanic roots often rendered as "strong-willed warrior" or "protector." The name is commonly read as carrying resolve paired with a protective instinct -- strength directed outward, toward guarding others, rather than kept for its own display.
Whosoever contendeth with another & overcomes when the significators are in signs bicorporeal, gets a great victory; if overcome, looseth much; for then the good or evil is doubled. - William Lilly (1602.-1681.)