Origin & Meaning of the Wilson Surname
What does the last name Wilson mean?
The surname Wilson carries the meaning "Son of Wil." It is derived from the Middle English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 801,882 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wilson ranks as the #14 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wilson come from?
The Wilson 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 Wilson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wilson trace back to Middle 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 | Wilson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Wil |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Middle English |
| US Rank (2010) | #14 |
| US Count (2010) | 801,882 |
| Per 100K People | 271.84 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wilson
According to the US Census, the Wilson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 801,882 Americans with the Wilson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 67.36% |
| Black | 25.99% |
| Hispanic | 2.61% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.6% |
| Native American | 1.06% |
| Two or More Races | 2.38% |
Popularity of Wilson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wilson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wilson surname increased by 18,831 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Wilson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wilson
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