Wilkinson

Origin and Meaning: Wilkinson is a common English surname of patronymic origin, derived from the baptismal name Wilkin, which is a diminutive form of the name William. The suffix "-son" was added to form the surname, meaning "son of Wilkin" or "son of William".

History: The surname Wilkinson has ancient origins in England, with records dating back to the 13th century. It is primarily found in the northern regions of England, particularly in Yorkshire. The name spread across the country and eventually became one of the most widespread surnames in Britain.

Historically, the Wilkinsons were often associated with occupations such as blacksmithing or woodworking, and many families held land or were involved in trade. The name is also found among the early settlers in colonial America, where it remains a common surname to this day.

Famous Wilkinsons:

  • John Wilkinson (1728-1808): A pioneering industrialist known as "Iron-Mad Wilkinson", credited with advancements in iron manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution.
  • Tom Wilkinson (b. 1948): A renowned British actor, known for his roles in films such as "The Full Monty" and "Michael Clayton".
  • Jonny Wilkinson (b. 1979): A former English rugby union player, considered one of the greatest rugby players of all time, known for his skill and precision as a fly-half.

Variants: Variants of the surname Wilkinson include Wilkerson, Wilkes, Wilkins, and Wilcocks, among others.

Legacy: The surname Wilkinson carries a rich history and legacy, reflecting the diverse occupations and experiences of the families who have borne the name. Today, Wilkinsons can be found in various countries around the world, where they continue to make contributions in fields ranging from the arts to business and sports.

There are approximately 80,181 people named Wilkinson in the UK. That makes it the 75th most common surname in Britain. Around 1,231 in a million people in Britain are named Wilkinson.

Surname type: From name of parent

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
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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