Surname Willsy - Meaning and Origin
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Willsy: What does the surname Willsy mean?
The last name Willsy is of German origin and is a diminutive form of the given name William. The name translates to an affectionate nickname meaning "little William" or "little Willie".
The surname has become more widespread in recent years, but for centuries, it was tied to a tiny community of a few families in the north of Germany. It was believed that the family was made up of craftsmen and farmers and dates back to the late 15th century. Historical records exist of family members living in and around the small towns of Osterode am Harz, Flöha, and Zieglau.
The earliest documented mention of the surname dates to church records from the year 1599, which contain the name Heyne Willse. This record suggests that the surname began to form at some point during the 16th century and that the original name, in its full form, may have been Willson. Over time, the spelling of the surname changed multiple times, with the most popular spellings in modern times being Wilsy or Willsy.
The surname Willsy is not only found in Germany but also in various parts of Europe. In countries like France, Belgium, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, the surname has become a popular choice. Few people with the surname Willsy have emigrated to the United States and Canada, so it is still a relatively obscure name in North America.
Order DNA origin analysisWillsy: Where does the name Willsy come from?
The last name Willsy is a rare one today; according to the website Forebears, the surname is found in England, the United States, and a few other countries. In England, the name Willsy is exceptionally rare, so there is not enough data to reveal its distribution. However, due to its origins, it is likely that it is mainly concentrated in the southeast of England.
In the United States Census records, the name Willsy appears more frequently with the highest concentrations found in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The majority of those with this surname today are probably descended from the English originals who moved to North America in the 17th- and 18th-centuries, possibly in search of land or a better life.
The surname Willsy doesn't appear to have gained much in popularity since its introduction. According to the U.S. Census records, the ten-year percentile growth of the surname decreased from 1990 to 2000. This suggests that with each passing census fewer and fewer people adopted the name or remained a part of the Willsy family.
The last name Willsy has become a rare name today and with numbers dwindling, it is at risk of becoming extinct over time. As the name slowly fades away, those with the name may feel a sense of pride in preserving the family line and the unique last name that links them to their ancestors.
Variations of the surname Willsy
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Willsy include:
•Willsey – derived from the English surname Willsey which stems from the personal name “Will” (William). This form of the surname first appeared in the mid 14th century in Derbyshire, England. It may also be spelled as Wilsey or Wilseye.
•Willsie – derived from the English surname Willsie, a variant spelling of the name Willsey. This variant spelling first appeared in the late 15th century in Yorkshire, England.
•Willis – derived from the English surname Willis, which was similarly derived from the personal name “Will” (William). This version of the surname became popular in the late 16th century and is commonly found in Ireland as well as England.
•Wills – derived from the English surname Wills, a variant spelling of Willis. This form of the surname first appeared in the early 16th century in Gloucestershire, England and is now found mainly in North America and Australia.
•Willy – derived from the English surname Willy, which is a short form of the name “Will” (William). This form of the surname first appeared in the late 16th century in London, England.
•Wiles – derived from the English surname Wiles, which is a variant spelling of the name Willis. This form of the surname first appeared in the late 17th century in Somerset, England.
•Willsher – derived from the English surname Willsher, which is a variant spelling of the name Willis. This form of the surname first appeared in the early 18th century in Northumberland, England.
Famous people with the name Willsy
- Usher Raymond IV, better known as Usher, is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor.
- Thom Filicia, American Interior designer and television personality.
- Chris Willis, American singer, songwriter and record producer.
- Joe Walsh, former member of the Eagles, now a solo musician.
- Ellen Willis, American author, journalist, and political activist.
- Jessica Tandy, British actress.
- G. E. M. Anscombe, British philosopher.
- John Charles Willys, American businessman and automobile manufacturer.
- Bill Willsy, American radio personality.
- Mark Willsy, American artist.