William Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname William come from? What does the surname William mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name William and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname William Origin: What does the last name William mean?
William is a masculine given name of Germanic origin that became popular in England after the Norman conquest in 1066. It is related to the German name Wilhelm and derives from Proto-Germanic *Wiljahelmaz, meaning "will, wish, desire" and "helm, helmet." The name William is taken from the Anglo-Norman language and was transmitted to England after the conquest, becoming one of the most popular names in England. Variants include Will, Willy, Bill, and Willie, with a common Irish form being Liam.
YourRoots data indicates that the surname William first appeared in records from England around the early 11th century. It remained closely associated with England until the 16th century and has since spread globally, with significant records in countries like France, the United States, Germany, Canada, and Australia. By the 20th century, the volume of records with the William surname grew significantly in the United States, where it remains prominent today. The surname William reflects a rich history and widespread presence across various countries and regions throughout the centuries.
William Last Name History: Where did the last name William come from?
Origin of William Surname: Where does the last name William originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname William first appeared in records from England around the early 11th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact William spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name William: What does the William surname history look like in the early days?
The William surname remained closely associated with England from the 11th to the 16th century. YourRoots data also shows William family records in countries like France, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the William surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the William surname grew significantly in the United States. The William surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including France, England, Germany, Canada, Australia, and more.
Explore William last name heritage and William surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With William Surame?
Willy William
Willy Fauade William (born Jun 27, 1981) is a French DJ, record producer, and singer known for his club remixes and collaborations with dance music artists. He gained fame with hits like "Ego" and "Mi Gente" with J Balvin. Born in France to a Guadeloupean father and Eritrean mother, he charted in multiple countries. William is a Latin Grammy-nominated producer and his song "Ego" made him the #1 most Shazamed French Artist. With a diverse discography and international success, he continues to make waves in the music industry.
Karl William
Karl William (born c. 1995) is a Danish alternative music singer and songwriter known for his chart-topping EP D√∏ende. Signed to the Danish ArtPeople label, he gained recognition as part of the Aarhus-based Hukaos collective. His hit songs "Kostumeramt" and "Foruden at forgude" showcase his unique sound and creative talent. Collaborating with producers like Eloq and Tais, Karl William's music has captivated audiences and earned him a spot on the official Danish Albums Chart. With a growing fan base and successful releases, Karl William is making waves in the music industry.
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