Williams Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Williams come from? What does the surname Williams mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Williams and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Williams Origin: What does the last name Williams mean?
The surname Williams is of English origin, derived from the personal name William with the genitive ending -s. It is also common in Wales, where it represents an anglicization of the Welsh patronymic ap Gwilym. The earliest recorded usage of variations of the surname dates back to the late 13th century in Oxfordshire, Yorkshire, and Staffordshire, according to YourRoots preparatory dataset.
As per YourRoots data, the surname Williams has a long history primarily associated with England from the 12th to the 16th century. It has since spread globally, with significant volumes of Williams records appearing in the United States by the 16th century. Today, the Williams surname is among the most common in countries like New Zealand, Wales, the United States, and Australia, showcasing its widespread presence across different regions and cultures.
Williams Last Name History: Where did the last name Williams come from?
Origin of Williams Surname: Where does the last name Williams originate from?
The earliest known records of the surname Williams are found in England, from the early 12th century according to the YourRoots database. This initial appearance is based on the exact spelling 'Williams' and does not include any variations of the surname found in other sources.
History of the Last Name Williams: What does the Williams surname history look like in the early days?
The surname Williams was primarily associated with England from the 12th through the 16th century, as indicated by the YourRoots data. As the centuries passed, the Williams family records also began to appear in greater volumes in other countries. By the 16th century, a significant increase in the volume of Williams records can be seen in the United States, indicating an early stage of global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Williams surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of Williams records in the United States had surpassed that in the United Kingdom and this trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Williams surname is widely spread across the globe and is prominently featured in the YourRoots database in the United States. However, it can also be found in a variety of other countries, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, France, Ireland, and Sweden, showcasing its global distribution.
Explore Williams last name heritage and Williams surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME WILLIAMS
Famous People With Williams Surame?
Sunita Williams
Sunita Lyn "Suni" Williams (née Pandya; born Sep 19, 1965) is an American astronaut and retired U.S. Navy officer. Williams has an impressive space career, serving on multiple expeditions aboard the International Space Station and becoming one of the most experienced spacewalkers in the world. She is known for her significant contributions to space exploration and her unique heritage, celebrating both her Indian and Slovenian roots during her missions. Williams' dedication to science and exploration has inspired many, making her a prominent figure in the field of space travel.
Robin Williams
Robin McLaurin Williams (July 21, 1951 – August 11, 2014) was an iconic American actor and comedian known for his improvisational skills and wide range of characters. From his breakout role as the lovable alien Mork in "Mork & Mindy" to his Oscar-winning performance in "Good Will Hunting," Williams captivated audiences with his humor and versatility. His work in films like "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Dead Poets Society," and "Aladdin" solidified his status as a beloved entertainer. Despite battling personal struggles, Williams left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry, showcasing his unparalleled talent and bringing joy to millions worldwide.
Robbie Williams
Robert Peter Williams (Feb 13, 1974 - Present) is an English singer and songwriter best known for his time in the pop group Take That from 1990 to 1995 and his successful solo career. With hit singles like "Angels" and "Millennium," Williams has achieved seven UK No. 1 singles and 10 million certified singles in the UK. He has won 18 Brit Awards and sold over 75 million records worldwide. Williams briefly reunited with Take That in 2010 for the album Progress, breaking UK chart records. His impact on British music culture earned him a spot in the UK Music Hall of Fame and a Guinness World Record for ticket sales.
Serena Williams
Serena Jameka Williams (born Sep 26, 1981) is a retired American professional tennis player, widely considered one of the greatest of all time. With 23 major singles titles, she holds the record for the most in the Open Era. Alongside her sister Venus, Serena dominated the sport, achieving a Career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles. Known for her powerful play and athleticism, she held the world No. 1 ranking for a total of 319 weeks. Serena's impact on tennis transcends the sport, inspiring a new era of power and skill. She retired in 2022 after an illustrious career that included four Olympic gold medals and numerous accolades.
Wendy Williams
Wendy Joan Williams Hunter (born July 18, 1964) is an American former broadcaster, media personality, and writer. She rose to fame as a shock jock in New York City before hosting her own nationally syndicated television talk show, The Wendy Williams Show, from 2008 to 2021. Williams was known for her on-air spats with celebrities and her candid commentary. She also authored books, appeared in films and TV shows, and had her own product lines. In 2023, Williams retired from broadcasting due to a diagnosis of aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
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