Surname Willisson - Meaning and Origin

Willisson: What does the surname Willisson mean?

The surname Willisson (also sometimes spelled Willison, Wilison, or Guillisson) is of French origin and is thought to have come from the French word 'gillier', which means 'worker or servant'. The French form of the name could have been derived from the Latin word 'gillare', meaning 'to serve'. Alternatively, it could be derived from Gillard or Gilard, which is a form of the name Gerard.

The use of the surname Willisson can be traced back to 11th century France, when a man named Guillier (or perhaps Gilier) was recorded as being present at a council meeting in Poitou in 1020. Later records show the continued use of the name throughout France up to the 19th century. In later centuries, the use of the surname spread to the United Kingdom, Canada and other parts of the world.

Willisson is a slightly rare surname, owning to its low population count – only approximately 500 people with the name have been recorded worldwide. The highest concentration of Willissons is found in Canada, particularly Ontario.

Willisson is typically used as a given name or as part of a double-barreled name, and is likely to be found among French-Canadian families. As a surname, the name is suggestive of someone who was once a servant or worker, and could be seen to indicate a person with a strong work ethic.

Willisson: Where does the name Willisson come from?

The last name Willisson is not a very common name, but it can be found in several countries around the world. In the United States, it is most commonly found in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. In the United Kingdom, it can be found mostly in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but it has also been found as far away as Australia and New Zealand. Other countries in which the surname is common include France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Canada.

In the United States, Willisson is considered a relatively uncommon last name. According to the US Census Bureau, it was the 26,468th most common name in the United States in 2020. However, it is possible that the name is more common in certain regions than others. In Scotland, for example, it was the 336th most common surname in 2018. In Australia, it is much less common, with an estimated 78 occurrences in 2016.

While Willisson may not be a particularly common surname, it is still a popular name today. It is a name that is steeped in history and family tradition, and for many people, the name still holds a special place in their hearts.

Variations of the surname Willisson

The surname Willisson is of uncertain origin although it is possible that it roots back to medieval English origin. It appears to be derived from the personal name William, a popular given name in medieval England. Variations of the Willisson surname include Willison, Willason, Willeson, Willie, Wills, Willson, Wils, Wilson, Williamson, and Willans.

The spelling of Willisson could have been derived from the name Willa being fused with the modern suffix ‘son’, a tribute to the father or ancestor of the first bearer. It is also possible that a different spelling could have been derived from the French ‘Wille’. The surname has close Danish roots and is found in French records dating back to the 12th century.

The various spellings of the surname Willisson could have originated from different groups of people around Britain, who changed the spelling to appear more typical of their region or dialect. It is also possible that the different spellings could have arisen through people with the surname moving to different locations and spelling their name differently to fit in with the locals.

Willisson is an uncommon surname in England today, but there are some areas that have a greater concentration of people with the surname, with Yorkshire in particular having a high number of people with the name. In Scotland, the spelling is more likely to be Wilson, while in Ireland it is mainly spelled Wills.

Famous people with the name Willisson

• Bill Willison: Professional football wide receiver who played in the NFL from 1991-1998.
• Dave Willison: Canadian businessman, philanthropist and president of The Willison Foundation.
• Barney Willison: Former Major League Baseball player for the Baltimore Orioles.
• Rick Willison: Retired professional Boston-based boxer and mixed martial artist.
• Jeff Willison: Professional bass angler.
• Sarah Willison: Actress, singer and dancer.
• Peter Willison: Retired Canadian ice hockey player.
• Paul Willison: British television presenter, author and traveller.
• Margie Willison: American author and historian.
• Terry Willison: American comedian, writer and actor.
• Pat Willison: Retired professional American baseball player.
• Gary Willison: Retired American basketball player.
• Clarence Willison: Retired American football quarterback.
• Mark Willison: Retired American video game designer.
• Nancy Willison: American music producer and singer-songwriter.

Other surnames

Williss