Captain Kidd's first name was William. William Kidd, better known as Captain Kidd, was a notorious Scottish pirate who operated in the late 17th century. Born in Greenock, Scotland in 1645, Kidd began his career as a privateer before turning to piracy. As a privateer, Kidd was commissioned by the British government to attack and loot enemy ships during times of war. However, he eventually turned to piracy, preying on ships in the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean. Kidd's most infamous act was the capture of the Quedagh Merchant, a ship laden with treasure off the coast of Madagascar. Despite his reputation as a ruthless pirate, some historians believe that Kidd may have been unfairly maligned. There is evidence to suggest that Kidd may have been framed for piracy by his enemies, including powerful figures in the British government. In 1699, Kidd was captured and brought back to England to stand trial for piracy and murder. He was found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging. Kidd's execution in 1701 marked the end of his brief but infamous career as a pirate. Today, Captain Kidd remains a controversial figure in the history of piracy. Some view him as a ruthless criminal, while others see him as a victim of circumstances beyond his control. For more information on Captain Kidd and his exploits, you can visit websites such as [History.com](https://www.history.com/topics/exploration/captain-kidd) or [National Geographic](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/magazine/2017/03-04/pirate-captain-kidd-history/). In conclusion, Captain Kidd's first name was William. His story is a fascinating and complex tale of piracy, adventure, and betrayal. Despite his infamous reputation, Kidd's legacy continues to intrigue historians and pirate enthusiasts alike.

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