Origin & Meaning of the Williams Surname
What does the last name Williams mean?
The surname Williams carries the meaning "Son of Williams." It is derived from the Welsh language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,625,252 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Williams ranks as the #3 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Williams come from?
The Williams surname has its roots in Welsh/English heritage. Names of Welsh/English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Williams name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Williams trace back to Welsh. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Williams |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Williams |
| Origin | Welsh/English |
| Language | Welsh |
| US Rank (2010) | #3 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,625,252 |
| Per 100K People | 550.97 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Williams
According to the US Census, the Williams surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,625,252 Americans with the Williams last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 45.75% |
| Black | 47.68% |
| Hispanic | 2.49% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.46% |
| Native American | 0.82% |
| Two or More Races | 2.81% |
Popularity of Williams Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Williams surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Williams surname increased by 91,210 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Williams Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Williams ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Williams Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Williams Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Williams
- ✓ The Williams coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Williams families live today
- ✓ Notable Williams bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Williams
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Williams.
Other Welsh/English Surnames
Explore more surnames with Welsh/English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Welsh/English origin as Williams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Williams
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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