Origin & Meaning of the Williamson Surname
What does the last name Williamson mean?
The surname Williamson carries the meaning "Son of William." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 114,959 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Williamson ranks as the #267 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Williamson come from?
The Williamson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of 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 Williamson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Williamson trace back to Old English. 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 | Williamson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of William |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #267 |
| US Count (2010) | 114,959 |
| Per 100K People | 38.97 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Williamson
According to the US Census, the Williamson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 114,959 Americans with the Williamson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 77.17% |
| Black | 17.41% |
| Hispanic | 2.27% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 1.94% |
Popularity of Williamson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Williamson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Williamson surname increased by 2,743 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Williamson Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Williamson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Williamson Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Williamson Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Williamson
- ✓ The Williamson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Williamson families live today
- ✓ Notable Williamson 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 Williamson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Williamson.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Williamson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Williamson
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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