Sweet William belongs to the Dianthus flower family, which also includes pinks and carnations. Greek botanist Theophrastus gave these flowers the genus name Dianthus, which means “divine flower.” The origin of the common name Sweet William has been debated, though one interesting theory states that the “William” comes from a mispronunciation of the French word for the flower, “oiellet.” The name has also been said to honor either William Shakespeare, the Duke of York, the Duke of Cumberland, or William the Conqueror. Their sweetness comes from the distinctive clove-like scent of the blossoms; in the language of flowers, this flower symbolizes gallantry.