Origin & Meaning of the Willson Surname
What does the last name Willson mean?
The surname Willson carries the meaning "Son of Will." 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 9,659 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Willson ranks as the #3,679 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Willson come from?
The Willson 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 Willson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Willson 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 | Willson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Will |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,679 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,659 |
| Per 100K People | 3.27 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Willson
According to the US Census, the Willson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,659 Americans with the Willson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.67% |
| Black | 8.09% |
| Hispanic | 3.01% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.68% |
| Native American | 0.91% |
| Two or More Races | 1.64% |
Popularity of Willson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Willson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Willson surname increased by 505 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Willson Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Willson
- ✓ The Willson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Willson families live today
- ✓ Notable Willson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Willson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Willson.
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 Willson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Willson
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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