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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.


Similar surnames:

Will, Willison, Willson

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 ‚"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

Wilson surname origin, history, meaning based on YourRoots Map dataVIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME WILSON

Famous People With Wilson Surame?

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Woodrow Wilson

    Woodrow Wilson

    Thomas Woodrow Wilson (Dec 28, 1856 - Feb 3, 1924) was the 28th president of the United States. He led the nation through World War I and was the architect of the League of Nations. Wilson's legacy is mixed, with praise for his progressive policies and criticism for his support of racial segregation.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Owen Wilson

    Owen Wilson

    Owen Cunningham Wilson (born Nov 18, 1968) is an American actor and comedian known for his collaborations with filmmaker Wes Anderson. Wilson has starred in popular franchises like Marvel's Loki series and Cars film series. He is also part of the Frat Pack, appearing in comedic hits like Wedding Crashers and Zoolander.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Rita Wilson

    Rita Wilson

    Rita Margarita Wilson Hanks (née Ibrahimoff; October 26, 1956) is an American actress, producer, and singer. She starred in films like Sleepless in Seattle and produced My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Wilson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019 for her contributions to the entertainment industry.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Rita Wilson

    Luke Wilson

    Luke Cunningham Wilson (born Sep 21, 1971) is an American actor known for his roles in films like Legally Blonde, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Old School. He also appeared in TV shows like That '70s Show and Stargirl. Wilson is part of a talented acting family, including his brothers Andrew and Owen Wilson.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Rita Wilson

    Brian Wilson

    Brian Douglas Wilson (born Jun 20, 1942) is an American musician and songwriter known for co-founding the Beach Boys. His innovative pop compositions and production techniques have made him one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century. Wilson's work is characterized by complex harmonies, high production values, and introspective themes.

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