Williams Last Name Origin: Discover the History and Meaning

The Williams last name is a popular surname with roots tracing back to the Middle Ages. Its origins are found in the English language, with "William" being a common given name derived from the Germanic words "wil" (meaning "will" or "desire") and "helm" (meaning "helmet" or "protection"). This surname, which is the anglicized form of the name "Guillaume" in French, was initially bestowed upon individuals with the given name "William." The name's enduring popularity and historical significance have made it one of the most prevalent surnames in English-speaking countries.
1. Williams: Derived from the English given name "William," meaning "resolute protector" or "strong-willed helmet."
2. Williamson: A patronymic surname indicating a son of William.
3. Willson: An occupational surname for someone who works with wool or cloth, possibly referring to a weaver, fuller, or shearer.
4. Willoughby: An English place name, likely referring to a location where willows grew.
5. Willingham: Another English place name, meaning "willow home" or "settlement near willows."
6. Willing: A surname indicating someone who is agreeable or willing.
7. Willet: A variant of the name "William," perhaps an affectionate diminutive or a nickname.
8. Willette: A variant of the name "William," possibly a feminine form or a nickname.
9. Willerton: An English place name, derived from "William's town."
10. Willey: A surname of English origin, possibly a place name or an occupational name related to a willow grove.
11. Willett: A variant of the name "William," often used as a nickname or a diminutive.
12. Willick: A surname of English origin, possibly a variant of "Willey" or a nickname related to a willow tree.
13. Willits: A surname of English origin, likely a variant of "Willet" or a place name related to a willow grove.
14. Willmott: A surname of English origin, possibly derived from "William's meadow" or "William's hill."
15. Wilmot: A surname of English origin, possibly a variant of "Willmott" or a nickname for someone who is strong-willed.
16. Wilshere: A surname of English origin, possibly a place name referring to a willow grove.
17. Wilsdon: A surname of English origin, possibly a variant of "Williamson" or a place name related to willows.
18. Wilson: A surname of English origin, often a patronymic indicating a son of William.
19. Willson: A variant spelling of "Wilson," often used in the United States.
20. Wilshire: A variant spelling of "Wilshere," a surname of English origin.
21. Willers: A surname of English origin, possibly a variant of "William" or "Willis."
22. Willis: A surname of English origin, possibly a variant of "William" or a nickname related to a willowy figure.
23. Willey: A surname of English origin, possibly a place name related to a willow grove.
24. Willy: A nickname for William, often used as a surname.
25. Wilf: A short form of the name "Wilfred," often used as a surname.
26. Wilford: A surname of English origin, possibly a place name related to a willow grove or a ford.
27. Wilfrid: A surname of English origin, a variant of the name "William," meaning "resolute protector."
28. Wilman: A surname of English origin, possibly a variant of "William" or a nickname.
29. Wilmore: A surname of English origin, possibly a place name related to a willow grove or a moor.
30. Wilner: A surname of German origin, meaning "willow" or "willow tree."
31. Wilmer: A surname of English origin, possibly a variant of "William" or a nickname.
32. Wilmette: A surname of English origin, possibly a place name related to a willow grove.
33. Wilmots: A surname of English origin, possibly a variant of "Willmott" or a nickname.
34. Wilms: A surname of Dutch origin, meaning "willows" or "willow tree."
35. Wilmshurst: A surname of English origin, possibly a place name related to a willow grove or a hurst (wood).
36. Wilmcote: A surname of English origin, likely a place name related to a willow grove.
37. Wilton: A surname of English origin, possibly a place name related to a willow grove or a town.
38. Wilts: A surname of English origin, possibly a variant of "Wilt" or a shortened form of "Wiltshire."
39. Wiltshire: A surname of English origin, likely referring to the county of Wiltshire in England.
40. Wilt: A surname of English origin, possibly a variant of "Wilts" or a nickname related to a willow tree.