BILL

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Bill

Origin and Meaning

The British surname Bill is of patronymic origin, deriving from the given name "Bill", which is a diminutive form of the name William. The name William comes from the Old Norman name Williame, which is a combination of the Germanic elements "wil", meaning desire, and "helm", meaning helmet or protection. Therefore, the surname Bill can be considered as a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Bill" or "son of William".

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Bill is relatively uncommon in comparison to other British surnames. It is thought to have originated in the early medieval period, with records showing its presence in various regions across the United Kingdom. The name has also spread to other English-speaking nations, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Notable Individuals

While the surname Bill may not be as prevalent as other names, several notable individuals have borne this surname throughout history. These include:

Thomas Bill (1888–1960) - British anthropologist known for his work on indigenous cultures in Africa.
Mary Bill (1925–2011) - Noted British artist renowned for her landscape paintings.

Variants and Derivatives

Variants and derivatives of the surname Bill include Bills, Billes, and Bille, among others. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have resulted in different forms of the name.

Coat of Arms

The Bill surname does not have a specific coat of arms associated with it, as coats of arms are generally granted to individuals rather than surnames. However, individuals bearing the surname Bill may have their own unique coat of arms based on their family history and heritage.

Overall, while the surname Bill may not be as well-known as some other British surnames, it has a rich history and origin that ties it to the illustrious legacy of the name William.

There are approximately 1,904 people named Bill in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,383rd most common surname in Britain. Around 29 in a million people in Britain are named Bill.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Andrew
David
James
John
Jonathan
Matthew
Michael
Peter
Robert
Stephen
Thomas

Female

Alison
Angela
Carol
Jacqueline
Jean
Joan
Joanne
Karen
Kathleen
Margaret
Sandra
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.