WILLY

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

Willy

Willy is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. The name is derived from the Old English personal name "Wilig", meaning 'resolute protector'.

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Willy dates back to the early 13th century in England. Over the centuries, the name has seen various spellings and adaptations including Willey, Willye, and Wily, among others.

Individuals bearing the surname Willy can be found across the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Kent.

The Willy surname has been linked to various notable figures throughout history, including professionals, scholars, and artists. The name continues to be passed down through generations and is held by families across the British Isles and in other parts of the world.

Today, the surname Willy represents a part of Britain's rich linguistic and cultural heritage, reflecting the diverse roots and migration patterns that have shaped the British population over the centuries.

There are approximately 247 people named Willy in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Willy.

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
Jeremy
John
Mark
Michael
Peter
Robert
Stephen
Stuart
Thomas

Female

Amanda
Christine
Dorothy
Elizabeth
Grace
Janet
Lucy
Michele
Nicola
Rosemary
Sandra
Sarah
Tessa
Winifred

Similar and related surnames

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