Surname Willis - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Undercover Odyssey: The Willis Lineage Surprises in My iGENEA DNA Test Unveiled
The results of my iGENEA DNA test led me on a surprising journey into my ancestry, revealing unexpected connections to the Middle East, Japan, and Scandinavia, despite the historically Irish origins of my Willis surname. The intricate patterns unveiled by my DNA demonstrate a rich tapestry of cultures and eras.
F. Willis
read moreWillis: What does the surname Willis mean?
The surname Willis is of English origin and is derived from the personal name William. The name William is of Old German origin and means 'resolute protector'. Therefore, Willis could be interpreted as 'son of the resolute protector'. During the Middle Ages, it was common to distinguish a son by adding 's' or 'son' to the father's name. Variations of the surname Willis include Willes, Williss, Wills, and others. The surname first appeared in the early 16th century in Bedfordshire, a county in East England. The use of surnames in Britain started around the 13th and 14th centuries and they were often related to a person's occupation, location, or the name of a parent.
Order DNA origin analysisWillis: Where does the name Willis come from?
The last name Willis is a popular surname found throughout the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. In the United States, it is the 305th most common name with approximately 431,000 people carrying the name according to the 2020 US Census.
The name is particularly common in the southern United States, with the highest concentrations in the states of Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia. It is also widely found in the United Kingdom, where it is the 590th most popular name.
The name Willis is thought to have originated from the personal name William and is believed to have come to the British Isles from Normandy, where the name was famously associated with a powerful family of Anjou during the 12th century.
Beyond the English-speaking world, it is found across Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and beyond. According to the Ancestry Library, the name is listed in multiple other countries, including Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Croatia, and Portugal.
Although its exact origin is unknown, the name Willis has been around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years and can be found all over the world.
Variations of the surname Willis
The surname Willis is of English origin and is derived from the name William. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin are:
Willes: This variant is found mainly in Germany and Devon, England.
Willis: This is the most common spelling of the surname, found mainly in England.
Williss: This variant is often found in Lancashire, England.
Willix: This is a less common variant which is mainly found in Ireland.
Willys: This variant is mainly found in Shropshire, England.
Willysse: This variant is mainly found in Devonshire, England.
Willysseur: This variant is mainly found in Devon, England.
Willise: This variant is also found mainly in Devon, England.
Willisson: This variant is mainly found in Germany.
Willmore: This variant of the surname is mainly found in Worcestershire, England.
Willot: This variant is mainly found in the French region of Alsace.
Willotson: Another variant mainly found in Germany.
Willup: This variant is mainly found in Westmorland, England.
Willott: This variant is mainly found in Cheshire, England.
Wills: This variant is mainly found in Somerset, England.
Willoughby: This is a variant of the surname which is mainly found in Leicestershire, England.
Willoughbee: This variant is found mainly in Yorkshire, England.
Willis-Fleming: This variant is mainly found in Hampshire, England.
Willus: This variant can be found mainly in Herefordshire, England.
Willesby: This variant is mainly found in Kent, England.
Willmer: This variant is mainly found in British Columbia, Canada.
Willesmith: This variant is mainly found in Devon, England.
Famous people with the name Willis
- Bruce Willis: American actor, film producer, singer, and author who is best known for roles in films such as Die Hard, Pulp Fiction, The Fifth Element, Armageddon, The Sixth Sense, and Red.
- Demi Moore: American actress, producer, and model who is known for her roles in films such as Ghost, A Few Good Men, Indecent Proposal, Mr. Brooks, and G.I. Jane.
- Scout Willis: American singer/songwriter, artist, and actress who is the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore.
- Rumer Willis: American actress, singer and dancer who is the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore.
- Tallulah Willis: American actress, singer, and model who is the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore.
- Terry L. Willis: American basketball coach who served as the head coach of the St. Mary's College men's basketball team from 1983 to 1994.
- John Willis: Former member of the British House of Commons, who was the Member of Parliament for East Gloucestershire from 1945-50.
- Bruno Willis: English rugby union player who represented England seven times and toured South Africa in 1897.
- Loren Willis: Professional lacrosse player who is the winner of the 1999 Major League Lacrosse Most Valuable Player award.
- Tony Willis: Former professional boxer and the former British Light Welterweight Champion.