WILLES

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

Willes

Willes is a prominent British surname with a longstanding history dating back to the medieval era. The name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Will", meaning desire or will, and the suffix "es" denoting possession, indicating "son of Will". Over time, the name has evolved in spelling and pronunciation to its contemporary form, Willes.

The Willes surname is widely distributed throughout the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations in regions such as Warwickshire, Somerset, and Staffordshire. The Willes family has been associated with various professions and industries over the centuries, including landowners, merchants, scholars, and clergy.

One of the most distinguished bearers of the Willes surname was Sir Thomas Willes (1692–1767), a notable English judge who served as Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. His legal acumen and contributions to the British judicial system earned him acclaim and recognition during his lifetime.

The Willes surname continues to be prevalent in modern British society, with descendants of the name making significant contributions to various fields such as business, politics, arts, and academia. The surname Willes stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and heritage of families across the United Kingdom.

There are approximately 154 people named Willes in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Willes.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Darren
David
Dennis
Grant
Jack
John
Karl
Michael
Paul
Peter
Robert
Simon
Stephen
Stuart
Timothy

Female

Alison
Angela
Diane
Emma
Esther
Irene
Jacqueline
Jane
Lara
Margaret
Nicole
Samantha
Valerie
Vanessa

Similar and related surnames

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