WILLS
Wills
Introduction
Wills is a surname of English origin. The name is derived from the given name William, which itself comes from the Old Germanic name Wilhelm, meaning "will" or "desire," and "helm," meaning "helmet" or "protection." The surname Wills is one of the patronymic surnames, indicating descent from a male ancestor.
History
The Wills surname first appeared in the historical records of England in the late 12th century. The name spread throughout the British Isles and beyond, particularly to countries with strong British influences.
Notable individuals bearing the surname Wills have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, literature, and business. One of the most celebrated figures with the surname is William John Wills, the Australian explorer known for his role in the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition.
Distribution
The surname Wills is particularly common in England, with notable concentrations in regions such as Cornwall, Somerset, and Gloucestershire. Over time, migration and emigration have led to the dispersal of individuals with the Wills surname to other parts of the United Kingdom and the wider world.
Variants
Variants of the surname Wills include Willes, Wilks, Willes, Will, and Willis. These variations may reflect different spellings that have evolved over time or regional dialectical differences.
Famous Bearers
- William John Wills (1834-1861) - Australian explorer of the Burke and Wills expedition
- Kenneth Wills (1903-1982) - British athlete and Olympian
- Polly Wills (b. 1972) - British fashion designer and stylist
Crest and Coat of Arms
The Wills family crest typically features traditional British heraldic symbols, such as a shield, helmet, and various animals or emblems. The coat of arms may vary depending on specific family lineages and ancestral origins.
Legacy
The surname Wills continues to be passed down through generations, preserving a connection to the family's heritage and history. Descendants of the Wills family can trace their lineage through genealogical research and historical records.
There are approximately 14,595 people named Wills in the UK. That makes it the 607th most common surname in Britain. Around 224 in a million people in Britain are named Wills.
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Angela
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jane
- Jennifer
- Julie
- Karen
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Willis
- Willison
- Willies
- Walls
- Wals
- Wales
- Wall
- Wallas
- Wallis
- Walis
- Walus
- Walas
- Wails
- Wailis
- Waell
- Wail
- Will
- Willa
- Wealls
- Weals
- Weells
- Weels
- Weles
- Well
- Welles
- Wellls
- Wells
- Wels
- Whails
- Whales
- Wheals
- Wheels
- Whells
- Whill
- Whille
- Whills
- Wil
- Wille
- Willes
- Wils
- Wallais
- Wallies
- Wallows
- Walz
- Weall
- Weell
- Weighll
- Weil
- Welis
- Welle
- Wellis
- Welz
- Whail
- Whall
- Whell
- Wiehl
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.