Wilson Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Wilson come from? What does the surname Wilson mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Wilson and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Wilson Origin: What does the last name Wilson mean?
Wilson is a common English, Scottish, and Northern Irish surname with several origins. It is derived from a patronymic form of the medieval name Will, which comes from Old Norse and Germanic elements meaning "desire" and "helmet" or "protection." The surname Wilson first appeared in England as Willeson in 1324 and in Scotland as Wulson in 1405. It is the seventh most common surname in England and the tenth most common in the United States, with a significant presence in Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.
YourRoots data reveals that the Wilson surname has been present in England since the early 13th century, with notable increases in the United States by the 16th century. Today, Wilson is a prominent surname globally, with strong roots in the United States and a significant presence in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The surname's history reflects a widespread migration and settlement pattern, making it a common and enduring name across various regions and cultures.
Wilson Last Name History: Where did the last name Wilson come from?
Origin of Wilson Surname: Where does the last name Wilson originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the earliest records of the surname Wilson are found in England (United Kingdom) dating back to the early 13th century. This data only includes records with the exact spelling ‚Äö"Wilson" in the YourRoots database.
History of the Last Name Wilson: What does the Wilson surname history look like in the early days?
The Wilson surname remained predominantly associated with England (United Kingdom) from the 13th through the 15th century. However, by the 16th century, YourRoots data indicates a notable increase in the frequency of Wilson family records in the United States, surpassing that of England. This suggests a significant migration or spread of the Wilson surname to the United States during this period.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Wilson surname today?
By the 17th century, the frequency of records with the Wilson surname had grown significantly in the United States, leading the United Kingdom in records through the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Wilson surname is prominent in the United States, but YourRoots data also shows a global spread. The surname has a presence in various countries around the world, including but not limited to, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Explore Wilson last name heritage and Wilson surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME WILSON
Famous People With Wilson Surame?
Woodrow Wilson
Thomas Woodrow Wilson (December 28, 1856 – February 3, 1924) was the 28th president of the United States, known for leading the nation through World War I and advocating for the League of Nations. Wilson's progressive policies shaped modern liberalism and included the Federal Reserve System and the modern income tax. Despite facing criticism for racial segregation, Wilson is still regarded as an above-average president by historians for his accomplishments in office.
Owen Wilson
Owen Cunningham Wilson (November 18, 1968 - ) is an American actor and comedian known for his collaborations with filmmaker Wes Anderson and his roles in popular movies like the "Cars" film series and "Wedding Crashers." He has received critical acclaim for his work in films like "Midnight in Paris" and "The Royal Tenenbaums," earning nominations for prestigious awards like the Golden Globe and Academy Award. Wilson is also recognized for his contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe through his role as Mobius M. Mobius in the Disney+ series "Loki." With a diverse filmography spanning comedy, drama, and animation, Wilson continues to be a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Rita Wilson
Rita Margarita Wilson Hanks (née Ibrahimoff; October 26, 1956) is an American actress, singer, and producer known for her roles in films like Sleepless in Seattle, Runaway Bride, and Larry Crowne. She has also produced hit movies such as My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Mamma Mia!. Wilson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019 and has a successful career on Broadway, including playing Roxie Hart in Chicago. In addition to her acting and producing work, she is a singer-songwriter with several albums to her name. Rita Wilson continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Luke Wilson
Luke Cunningham Wilson (born September 21, 1971) is an American actor known for his roles in popular films like "Legally Blonde," "The Royal Tenenbaums," "Old School," and "Idiocracy." Wilson has also appeared in TV shows such as "That '70s Show" and "Stargirl." He comes from a family of actors, including his brothers Andrew and Owen Wilson. Wilson's career has spanned a wide range of genres, from comedy to drama, showcasing his versatility as a performer. With a charming on-screen presence and a knack for both comedic and dramatic roles, Luke Wilson has solidified himself as a prominent figure in Hollywood.
Brian Wilson
Brian Douglas Wilson (June 20, 1942 - ) is an American musician and songwriter known for co-founding the Beach Boys. Considered a genius for his innovative pop compositions, Wilson is a significant figure in 20th-century music. His work is known for complex harmonies, high production values, and introspective themes. Wilson's career includes hits like "Good Vibrations" and the acclaimed album "Pet Sounds." Despite struggles with mental health, he has left a lasting impact on music genres like art pop and psychedelia. Wilson's influence extends to modern styles like indie rock and dream pop, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
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.
