Surname Wiliston - Meaning and Origin
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Wiliston: What does the surname Wiliston mean?
The surname Wiliston is of Anglo-Saxon origin. Wiliston is a topographic named derived from 'willow town'. This place name describes a settlement near the riverside with willow trees.
One possible source of this name were the small settlements located by the banks of the River Witham in Lincolnshire that were known as Willyton. These settlements after the year 1114 were classified under the head of the Manor of Stow in the Valor Ecclesiasticus.
In Scotland, the name is found in Escrick, a small hamlet in the East Riding of Yorkshire and in Kirkliston, near Edinburgh, both of which have place names derived from the Anglo-Saxon words for ‘willow’ (wilig) and ‘tun’ (town).
Wiliston may also have originated as a habitational name, denoting someone who lived in a willow-lined town. It is also the Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac an Ghiolla Iosa, which would mean a descendant of the devotee/ follower of Jesus.
The surname Wiliston was first found in Sheffield, Yorkshire, where they were anciently seated from very early times and held a family seat at Eastwood Hall.
At an even earlier time, Wiliston was recorded in the UK census of 1881 when George Wiliston, an agricultural labourer, lived in Buckinghamshire.
In conclusion, the surname Wiliston is derived from a place name and habitational name that indicates a residence near a willow tree or living in a settlement with willow trees. The surname may have also originated from a Gaelic root meaning ‘devotee of Jesus’.
Order DNA origin analysisWiliston: Where does the name Wiliston come from?
The last name Wiliston is not very common today but can be found in some countries such as Canada, England, Scotland, Australia, and the United States. In the United States, Wiliston is primarily found in the southeastern states, particularly in Tennessee, North and South Carolina, and Virginia.
The exact origin of the surname Wiliston is uncertain but it is thought to have derived from an Old French place name, "Gwylyston". The initial form of the name likely had a variety of spellings, such as the variation "Gillon shortened to Gylston". This form of the surname eventually evolved into today's Wiliston.
The earliest recorded usage of the surname Wiliston is believed to be in Scotland in the 13th century. However, researchers have also noted that there were Wilistons living in England during the 16th century.
When researching Wiliston immigrants, some of the earliest identified ancestors of the Wiliston name arrived in North America in the early 1700s, mostly from Scotland, following the settlers to the American colonies.
The Wiliston name has been carried to many countries around the world, including Canada, Australia, and England. While traces of the Wiliston name have been found in these countries in the past, the surname has struggled to become established outside of the United States.
Variations of the surname Wiliston
The surname Wiliston is primarily of English origin and can have many variants and spellings.
Wilistone is one of the most common variant of Wiliston. It is derived from the Old English word wielland, meaning “well land.” This variant is most typically found in Yorkshire, England.
Wilassing is another form of Wiliston, stemming from William. Wilassing appears to be mostly found in Germany, with the earliest recorded instance of the surname in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Williston is an Anglicized form of the surname and is found primarily in Ireland and the United States.
Wilstone is a variant that can be found in various parts of the United Kingdom, including the West Midlands.
Willstatt is another German variant of Wiliston. It is most commonly found in the Bavarian region.
Willmott is a variant of Wiliston and is especially popular in England. It is derived from the Old English personal name Willahelm, which means “will helmet.”
Wilcockson is a variant which can be found in various parts of the United Kingdom, particularly in the Midlands.
Williard is a form of Wiliston that is especially popular in North America, descended from the Norman forename Willard.
Similar surnames include Wilsford, Wilks, Willoughby, Wilkin, Wilcox, and Wilkes.
Famous people with the name Wiliston
- Alan Wiliston: Academy Award-winning producer and executive.
- Wanda Wiliston: American Poet Laureate from 2006 to 2011.
- Jan Wiliston: Emmy Award-winning actor.
- David Wiliston: bestselling author and motivational speaker.
- Lynda Wiliston: former Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji.
- Gus Wiliston: Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter.
- Peter Wiliston: British lawyer, author, and politician.
- Donna Wiliston: American fashion designer and entrepreneur.
- Tom Wiliston: NBA coach and executive.
- Joel Wiliston: entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.