Surname Wilson - Meaning and Origin
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My iGENEA DNA test revealed a captivating chronicle encapsulated within my surname 'Wilson,' stretching its roots to an amalgamation of Norse, Celtic and Scottish ancestors. Tracing back to an epoch of ancient civilisations, the historical odyssey unearthed bonds with Viking warriors and the culturally rich Celtic tribes, depicting a tapestry of human history that I'm an integral part of.
W. Wilson
read moreWilson: What does the surname Wilson mean?
The surname Wilson is of English and Scottish origin and literally means "son of Will." It is a patronymic name that was formed by adding "son" to the personal name William (shortened to Will). The name William is a combination of two old German elements: "wil," meaning "desire," and "helm," meaning "helmet or protection." Therefore, Wilson can indirectly mean "son of the one who desires protection." Over the centuries, the surname Wilson has spread across the globe and it is among the most common surnames in the English-speaking world. There are numerous notable people with the surname Wilson in diverse fields ranging from politics to sports and entertainment.
Order DNA origin analysisWilson: Where does the name Wilson come from?
The surname Wilson is of English and Scottish origin. It is derived from the patronymic form of the given name Will, a popular medieval short form of William. Thus, it means "son of Will". Wilson is among the most common surnames in the English-speaking world.
The surname is prevalent in Northern England, as well as in Scotland. There are also significant populations of people with the Wilson surname in Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. In the United States, for instance, Wilson is the eighth most common surname. It is particularly prevalent amongst African Americans.
The Wilson Clan, a Scottish Clan from the Borders region, also bears the surname. It is interesting to note that from the early 19th century onwards, the surname Wilson is traceable back to specific provinces in Ireland due to the mass emigration during the time of the Famine.
Over the years, it has been borne by many notable figures, ranging from political leaders to authors and sports personalities, which may have also contributed to its common usage.
Variations of the surname Wilson
The surname "Wilson" is derived from Middle English and Scots, where it meant 'son of Will'. It is a patronymic form of the personal name Will, a diminutive of William. Therefore, similar surnames of the same origin include Williamson, Wills and Willis.
Other spellings and variations of Wilson could consist primarily of phonetic adaptations and include Wilsen, Wilsson, Weelson, Wilsun, Wilsone, and Willson.
In some cases, keeping in mind the migration and phonetics, there may be completely different surnames that are linked to Wilson. In non-English speaking countries, names equivalent to ‘Wilson’ with similar meanings include, but are not limited to, Gwilim (Welsh), Vilson (Swedish), Guilelmi or Gulielmi (Italian) and Guillerm (French) – all names reminiscent of William.
However, differentiating between geographical origins can be complex since the surname has been widely adopted by different cultures worldwide over the centuries, particularly due to British colonial influence and emigration, making it popular in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name Wilson
- Owen Wilson: An American actor known for his comedic roles in films like "Wedding Crashers" and "Zoolander."
- Luke Wilson: Owen Wilson's younger brother, also an actor well recognized for roles in "Old School" and "Legally Blonde."
- Rebel Wilson: An Australian actress known for her role in "Pitch Perfect."
- Woodrow Wilson: The 28th President of the United States.
- Brian Wilson: An American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer best known as a co-founder of The Beach Boys.
- Carnie Wilson: An American singer and television host, member of the pop music group Wilson Phillips.
- Gretchen Wilson: A Grammy-winning country music artist.
- Patrick Wilson: An American actor and singer, highlighted for his roles in "The Conjuring" and "Insidious."
- Russell Wilson: Professional American football quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.
- Rainn Wilson: An American actor known for his role as Dwight Schrute on the television show "The Office."
- Rita Wilson: An American actress, singer, songwriter, and producer, also recognized as Tom Hanks' wife.
- Torrie Wilson: A professional wrestler, fitness competitor, and model.
- Jackie Wilson: A prominent American soul singer.
- Flip Wilson: An American comedian and actor.
- Nancy Wilson: An American singer and member of the rock band Heart.