Willis Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Willis come from? What does the surname Willis mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Willis and family migration on YourRoots Map.
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Surname Willis Origin: What does the last name Willis mean?
Willis is a surname of English, Norman French, and Scottish origin, with the oldest extant family of the name dating back to 1330. The name derives from the Norman name de Vallibus, meaning 'of the valley', which originated from the Vaux family tree. In Scotland, the name is associated with 'son of William/ Will', similar to 'Wilson'. Notable Willis families have been documented in various regions, including Warwickshire, Lancashire, Isle of Wight, Hampshire, Worcestershire, and County Fermanagh. The surname has historical ties to English nobility, prominent military figures, and influential individuals such as the physician William Willis and writer Anthony Armstrong.
YourRoots data indicates that the Willis surname has a long history in England, dating back to the early 15th century. The surname's prevalence increased significantly in the United States from the 17th century onwards, surpassing its frequency in the United Kingdom. Today, the Willis surname is widespread in the United States and likely present in various countries globally. The enduring legacy of the Willis surname reflects a diverse heritage and a wide geographical distribution across different regions and cultures.
Willis Last Name History: Where did the last name Willis come from?
Origin of Willis Surname: Where does the last name Willis originate from?
The Willis surname first appeared in records from England (United Kingdom) around the early 15th century, according to YourRoots data. This data is based solely on the exact spelling “Willis” and does not include other sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Willis: What does the Willis surname history look like in the early days?
YourRoots data shows that the “Willis” surname remained closely associated with England (United Kingdom) from the 15th through the 16th century. However, from the 17th century onwards, there was a noticeable rise in the volume of Willis family records in the United States, suggesting a shift in the surname's prevalence.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Willis surname today?
By the 17th century, the frequency of records with the Willis surname had increased significantly in the United States, overtaking the United Kingdom. This trend continued through the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the “Willis” surname is prevalent in the United States, based on YourRoots data. While the detailed historical data for other countries is not provided, it is likely that the Willis surname has spread to various countries globally.
Explore Willis last name heritage and Willis surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME WILLIS
Famous People With Willis Surame?
Rumer Willis
Rumer Glenn Willis (Aug 16, 1988 - ) is an American actress known for her roles in films like "Striptease" and "Sorority Row." She won season 20 of "Dancing with the Stars" and made her Broadway debut in "Chicago." Willis is the daughter of actors Bruce Willis and Demi Moore.
Alicia Leigh Willis
Alicia Leigh Willis (Mar 1, 1978 - ) is an American actress known for her roles in soap operas. She played Courtney Matthews on General Hospital and had a recurring role on 7th Heaven. Willis was nominated for two Daytime Emmy awards for her work on GH.
Katherine Willis
Katherine Marie Willis (born Jan 23, 1970) is an American actress and producer. She is best known for her roles in "Killers of the Flower Moon," "Tell Me Your Secrets," and "Friday Night Lights." Willis studied theater and film at Brigham Young University and has appeared in various studio films and television shows.
Frances E. Willis
Frances Elizabeth Willis (May 20, 1899 - July 23, 1983) was a trailblazing American diplomat who served as the U.S. ambassador to Switzerland, Norway, and Sri Lanka. She was the first woman to make a career in the U.S. Foreign Service and received numerous prestigious awards for her outstanding contributions to foreign relations.
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