Williamson

Origin and Meaning: Williamson is a common surname of English and Scottish origin. It is derived from the personal name William, which in turn has Germanic origins meaning "desire" and "protection". The addition of “-son” is a patronymic suffix meaning “son of”, making Williamson a variant of the given name William.

History: The surname Williamson is believed to have originated as a patronymic name, as a way to distinguish individuals based on their father's name. Over time, the surname became hereditary, passing down through generations. The earliest known recording of the surname is in England in the 13th century.

Distribution and Popularity: The surname Williamson is quite common in English-speaking countries, particularly in England and Scotland. It has spread worldwide due to migration and colonization, and can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable People:

  • Mary Williamson: English novelist known for her works in the 19th century.
  • Mark Williamson: Scottish entrepreneur and philanthropist, founder of a prominent charity organization.
  • Sarah Williamson: British actress who has appeared in various films and television shows.

Legacy: The surname Williamson has a rich history and has made significant contributions in various fields, including literature, business, and the arts. It continues to be a widely used surname today, connecting individuals to their ancestral roots and heritage.

References:

  • Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Routledge, 1991.
  • Hanks, Patrick and Hodges, Flavia. A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989.

There are approximately 48,338 people named Williamson in the UK. That makes it the 146th most common surname in Britain. Around 742 in a million people in Britain are named Williamson.

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
  • William

Female

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

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