Willson Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Willson come from? What does the surname Willson mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Willson and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Willson Origin: What does the last name Willson mean?
Willson is an English patronymic surname, meaning "son of William," derived from the Old German name William. The surname first appeared in records from England in the early 15th century and grew significantly in prominence during the 16th and 17th centuries. It also gained traction in the United States from the 17th century onwards. By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Willson surname increased notably in the United States, with notable frequencies in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as well.
YourRoots data confirms the global spread of the Willson surname, with family records found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The surname's history reflects a rich heritage that has evolved over the centuries, showcasing its enduring presence in various regions and cultures around the world.
Willson Last Name History: Where did the last name Willson come from?
Origin of Willson Surname: Where does the last name Willson originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Willson first appeared in records from England around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Willson spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Willson: What does the Willson surname history look like in the early days?
The Willson surname started growing significantly in England in the 15th century and continued to be prominent in England during the 16th and 17th centuries. The surname also gained traction in the United States from the 17th century onwards, with notable frequencies in both the 18th and 19th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Willson family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Willson surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Willson surname grew significantly in the United States. The Willson surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Explore Willson last name heritage and Willson surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME WILLSON
Famous People With Willson Surame?
Henry Willson
Henry Leroy Willson (July 31, 1911 – November 2, 1978) was an American Hollywood talent agent known for developing the beefcake craze of the 1950s. He represented iconic actors like Rock Hudson, Tab Hunter, and Robert Wagner, transforming them into leading men. Willson's influence in shaping Hollywood's leading heartthrobs of the era is still felt today. He was a key figure in the entertainment industry, discovering and mentoring young talent while navigating the complexities of show business. Willson's legacy remains intertwined with the golden age of Hollywood and the glamorous world of film and television.
Meredith Willson
Robert Reiniger Meredith Willson (May 18, 1902 – June 15, 1984) was a multi-talented American composer, conductor, and playwright best known for creating the beloved Broadway musical "The Music Man" and the classic holiday song "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas." Willson's musical talents also extended to film scores, earning him two Academy Award nominations. With a background in radio and Hollywood, Willson's work left a lasting impact on American entertainment, showcasing his versatility and creativity in the music industry.
Paul Willson
Paul Willson is an American film, television, and voice actor known for his role as Paul Krapence on Cheers. Raised in San Francisco, California, Willson honed his acting skills at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. His career includes appearances on popular shows like Laverne & Shirley, Full House, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. He also had roles in films such as Office Space and My Best Friend Is a Vampire. With a talent for improv, Willson has been praised by Cheers producer Ken Levine as one of the greatest in the field.
Quentin Willson
Quentin Willson (born 23 Jul 1957) is an English television presenter, motoring journalist, and author known for his work on popular motoring programs like "Top Gear," "Fifth Gear," and "Britain's Worst Driver." He has also been a key figure in the campaign for fair fuel prices in the UK and has written several books on classic cars. Willson's witty and informative style has made him a beloved personality in the world of motoring entertainment.
Laurel Rose Willson
Laurel Rose Willson (August 18, 1941 – April 8, 2002) was an American con artist and author known for her controversial claims of Satanic ritual abuse and false identity as a Holocaust survivor. Under the pseudonym Lauren Stratford, she authored books alleging horrific experiences, which were later debunked as fabricated. Willson's troubled life included mental illness, false allegations, and multiple hospitalizations. Despite initial attention and support, her claims were ultimately discredited, leading to the withdrawal of her books from publication. Willson's story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of misinformation and the impact of false narratives on society.
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.
