Willison — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #10,075 in the US 3,199 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#10,075
▼ Down 314 since 2000
People in the US
3,199
1.08 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Willison Surname

What does the last name Willison mean?

The surname Willison carries the meaning "Son of Willi." 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 3,199 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Willison ranks as the #10,075 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Willison come from?

The Willison 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 Willison name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Willison 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Willison
Meaning Son of Willi
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #10,075
US Count (2010) 3,199
Per 100K People 1.08
First Letter W

Ethnic Distribution of Willison

According to the US Census, the Willison surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,199 Americans with the Willison last name.

White 90.31%
Black 4.97%
Hispanic 2.25%
Asian/PI 0.53%
Native American 0.53%
Two+ Races 1.41%
Ethnic distribution of the Willison surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White90.31%
Black4.97%
Hispanic2.25%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.53%
Native American0.53%
Two or More Races1.41%

Popularity of Willison Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Willison surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#9,761
3,056 people
Down 314
Census 2010
#10,075
3,199 people

The number of Americans with the Willison surname increased by 143 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Willison Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Willison ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Willison

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Willison.

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 Willison.

Frequently Asked Questions About Willison

The surname Willison is of English origin. Son of Willi
The surname Willison is ranked #10,075 in the United States with approximately 3,199 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Son of Willi. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Willison surname is distributed as: 90.3% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Willison ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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