WILLIAMS
Williams
Origin and Meaning: Williams is a common surname of English origin derived from the given name William. The name William itself is of Germanic origin, composed of the elements "wil" meaning desire or will, and "helm" meaning helmet or protection. Over time, the name became popular throughout England and Wales, leading to the widespread use of the surname Williams.
History and Distribution: The surname Williams has a long history in Britain, with records dating back to the medieval period. It is one of the most common surnames in the United Kingdom and Wales, ranking among the top surnames in terms of frequency. The name has spread internationally due to British colonization, particularly in countries like the United States, Australia, and Canada, where it remains a popular surname.
Famous Individuals: The surname Williams has been borne by numerous notable individuals throughout history. Some famous individuals with the surname Williams include:
- Sir William Williams (1634-1700), a Welsh judge and politician.
- Serena Williams, an American tennis player and one of the most successful athletes in history.
- Robin Williams (1951-2014), an acclaimed American actor and comedian.
- Hilda Williams, a British mathematician known for her contributions to the field of mathematics.
Variants and Derivatives: Variants and derivatives of the surname Williams include Williamson, Wilson, Wilkins, William, and Willson. These variations may have evolved over time due to regional dialects or changes in spelling conventions.
Coat of Arms: The Williams family crest typically features symbols associated with strength, protection, and loyalty. The coat of arms may include elements such as a lion, a shield, a helm, or other heraldic symbols.
Legacy: The surname Williams continues to be a common and widely recognized name in British and Welsh society. Its prevalence both historically and in modern times reflects the enduring legacy of the name and its connection to English and Welsh heritage.
References:
- Reaney, P.H., Wilson, R.M. 1991. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Hanks, P., Hodges, F. 1988. A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 391,745 people named Williams in the UK. That makes it the 3rd most common surname in Britain. Around 6,016 in a million people in Britain are named Williams.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Wales
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Welsh
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- William
- Willins
- Wiliams
- Willliams
- Williamis
- Williame
- Willimas
- Williama
- Willians
- Willams
- Willims
- Willaims
- Willias
- Willia
- Williamsen
- Williamson
- Willems
- Willilams
- Willian
- Williamon
- Willms
- Willam
- Wiilliams
- Whilliams
- Wiiliams
- Walliams
- Wealleams
- Wellms
- Welms
- Whellams
- Whillians
- Wholmes
- Wiliam
- Wiliamson
- Wiliiams
- Wililiams
- Willeams
- Willemse
- Williaman
- Williamas
- Williamason
- Williames
- Williamott
- Williamsn
- Williamsom
- Williamsons
- Williamsson
- Williats
- Williatts
- Williems
- Williiams
- Williiamson
- Willliamson
- Willmes
- Willyams
- Wilmes
- Wilms
- Wilyams
- Wlliams
- Wollams
- Wollems
- Wolloms
- Woolams
- Wooliams
- Woollams
- Woolliams
- Wullems
- Wyllyams
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.