Willey Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Willey come from? What does the surname Willey mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Willey and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Willey Origin: What does the last name Willey mean?
The surname Willey has its origins in England, with records dating back to the early 12th century. It is believed to have been derived from Old English roots. The Willey surname has a strong historical connection to England, with YourRoots data indicating its presence in the country from the 12th to the 18th centuries. Over time, the surname spread globally, with significant records in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among other countries. By the 20th century, the Willey surname had gained prominence, particularly in the United States.
YourRoots data further validates the historical presence of the Willey surname in England and its subsequent global spread. The surname has maintained relevance in various countries worldwide, showcasing its enduring legacy and widespread distribution. Through centuries, the Willey surname has continued to symbolize a rich ancestral history, reflecting its English origins and global reach in different regions and cultures.
Willey Last Name History: Where did the last name Willey come from?
Origin of Willey Surname: Where does the last name Willey originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Willey first appeared in records from England around the early 12th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Willey spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Willey: What does the Willey surname history look like in the early days?
The Willey surname remained closely associated with England from the 12th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Willey family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Willey surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Willey surname grew significantly in the United States. The Willey surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Explore Willey last name heritage and Willey surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Willey Surame?
Kathleen Willey
Kathleen Willey (born Jun 2, 1946) is a former White House volunteer aide who alleged that Bill Clinton sexually assaulted her in 1993. Her claims sparked controversy and investigations, with conflicting testimonies from various parties. Despite the lack of strong supporting evidence, Willey's accusations and legal battles have made her a prominent figure in discussions about sexual harassment and political scandals.
Peter Willey
Peter Willey (born 6 Dec 1949) is a former English cricketer known for his "open stance" style of batting. He played for Northamptonshire and Leicestershire, helping both teams win major titles. Willey faced tough competition from the West Indies, scoring two centuries against them. After joining a rebel tour in 1982, he was restored to the Test team in 1985. Willey retired with over 1,000 wickets and 35,000 runs in first-class cricket. He transitioned to umpiring, overseeing Test Matches until 2015. Willey has a son, David, who also plays cricket professionally. An urban myth involving his name became a humorous cricket anecdote.
Waitman T. Willey
Waitman Thomas Willey (October 18, 1811 – May 2, 1900) was an American lawyer and politician who played a key role in the founding of the state of West Virginia during the American Civil War. He served as one of the first two U.S. Senators from West Virginia and is known for representing more than one state in the Senate. Willey's efforts at the Virginia Secession Convention and the First Wheeling Convention were instrumental in the establishment of West Virginia statehood. His legacy as a statesman and advocate for universal suffrage continues to be remembered in American history.
Gordon Willey
Gordon Randolph Willey (Mar 7, 1913 – Apr 28, 2002) was an American archaeologist known as the "dean" of New World archaeology. He conducted groundbreaking fieldwork in South America, Central America, and the Southeastern United States. Willey was a pioneer in settlement patterns theories and worked as an anthropologist for the Smithsonian Institution and a professor at Harvard University. His contributions to the field earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Gold Medal Award for Distinguished Archaeological Achievement. Willey's research and publications have left a lasting impact on the study of indigenous cultures in the Americas.
Carl Willey
Carlton Francis Willey (June 6, 1931 – July 20, 2009) was an American professional baseball pitcher known for his time with the Milwaukee Braves and New York Mets in MLB. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 175 pounds, Willey overcame a serious injury in 1964, when a line drive broke his jaw during a spring training game. Post-retirement, he scouted for the Philadelphia Phillies. Willey's career statistics showcase his talent on the field, making him a memorable figure in baseball history. Unfortunately, he passed away from lung cancer in 2009 in Ellsworth, Maine.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.