WILLAIMS
Williams
Williams is a common surname of English origin, ranking as the third most popular surname in the United Kingdom. The name is derived from the medieval given name William, which in turn comes from the Old Norman personal name Williame, itself a variation of the Old French Guillaume. The name William is of Germanic origin, coming from the elements wil meaning "will" or "desire", and helm meaning "helmet" or "protection".
Origins
The Williams surname can be traced back to medieval England, where it was commonly used as a patronymic surname to denote "son of William". The use of patronymic surnames began to develop in England around the 13th century. Over time, the surname Williams spread throughout the country, with various branches of the family establishing themselves in different regions.
Distribution
Today, the surname Williams is widespread across the United Kingdom, particularly in Wales where it is often considered a Welsh surname. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries as a result of migration and colonialism.
Notable People
Numerous notable individuals bear the surname Williams, including:
- Robbie Williams - English singer-songwriter and former member of Take That.
- Serena Williams - American tennis player widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in the sport's history.
- Jessica Williams - British actress known for her work in comedy and television.
Coat of Arms
The Williams family crest typically features heraldic elements such as a shield, helmet, and various symbols denoting characteristics or achievements of the family. Each coat of arms is unique to a particular branch of the Williams family and may include personalization based on the family's history and lineage.
In summary, the surname Williams holds a significant place in British history and culture, reflecting the enduring legacy of the name William and its descendants.
There are approximately 140 people named Willaims in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Willaims.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- Daniel
- David
- Dean
- Edson
- Frank
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Shaun
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Amy
- Elizabeth
- Elsie
- Flora
- Jane
- Janet
- Joan
- Joanne
- Julie
- Lisa
- Rebecca
- Samantha
- Sandra
- Sarah
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
- Whillam
- Whilliams
- Wiiliams
- Wiilliams
- Wilam
- Wilhams
- Wiliams
- Wiliiams
- Willa
- Willaimson
- Willam
- Willams
- Willamson
- Willans
- Willas
- Willeams
- Willeans
- Willem
- Willems
- Willemse
- William
- Williamas
- Williames
- Williamis
- Williams
- Willieme
- Williems
- Williiams
- Willilams
- Willimas
- Willims
- Willliams
- Willmes
- Willms
- Willyams
- Wilms
- Wilyams
- Wollams
- Wollems
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.