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.
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?
Bruce Willis
Walter Bruce Willis (March 19, 1955 –) is a retired American actor known for his iconic role as John McClane in the Die Hard franchise. Willis achieved fame with his leading role in the comedy-drama series Moonlighting and has appeared in over one hundred films, including Pulp Fiction, The Sixth Sense, and Armageddon. He has received various accolades throughout his career, including a Golden Globe Award and two Primetime Emmy Awards. In addition to acting, Willis released three albums as a singer and made his Broadway debut in 2015. Willis retired in 2022 due to aphasia and was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023.
Rumer Willis
Rumer Glenn Willis (born Aug 16, 1988) is an American actress known for her roles in films like "Striptease," "Sorority Row," and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." The daughter of actors Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, she won season 20 of "Dancing with the Stars" and made her Broadway debut in "Chicago." Willis has appeared in TV shows like "90210" and "Empire," showcasing her versatility as an actress. With a successful career in both film and television, she continues to captivate audiences with her talent and charm.
Victor Willis
Victor Edward Willis (born Jul 1, 1951) is an American singer, songwriter, and founding member of the disco group Village People. He was the lead singer and co-songwriter for their most successful singles, performing in iconic costumes as a policeman or naval officer. Willis left and rejoined the group multiple times, even returning in 2017 after legal battles. He struggled with drug abuse but turned his life around after rehab. Willis married twice, including to actress Phylicia Rashad. He continues to perform with Village People, releasing new music and touring internationally.
Fani Willis
Fani Taifa Willis (née Floyd; October 27, 1971 -) is an American attorney and the district attorney of Fulton County, Georgia. She made headlines for her investigations into the 2020 presidential election in Georgia, resulting in indictments against Donald Trump and others. Willis also apprehended rapper Young Thug on racketeering charges. With a background in political science from Howard University and a law degree from Emory University, Willis has had a successful career in the legal field. She continues to make waves in the legal and political spheres as the first woman to hold her current office.
Dontrelle Willis
Dontrelle Wayne Willis (born Jan 12, 1982) is an American former professional baseball pitcher known as "the D-Train." He played for MLB teams like the Florida Marlins and Detroit Tigers, winning the World Series in 2003. Willis was named the 2003 National League Rookie of the Year and is recognized for his unique pitching style and success early in his career. Besides his baseball achievements, Willis now works as a sports broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Fox Sports 1, showcasing his expertise beyond the field.
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