Williams (surname)
Williams is a patronymic form of the name William that originated in medieval England, Wales, France, and Italy.[2] The meaning is derived from son or descendant of William, the Northern French form that also gave the English name William. Derived from an Old French given name with Germanic elements; will = desire, will; and helm = helmet, protection.[3] It is the second most common surname in New Zealand; third most common in Wales and the United States and fourth most common in Australia.[1][4]
| Pronunciation | /ˈwɪljəmz/ |
|---|---|
| Language(s) | English, Norman, and Italian |
| Origin | |
| Meaning | derived from Son of William |
| Region of origin | England, Wales, Cornwall, France, and Italy |
| Other names | |
| Variant form(s) | William, Willimon, Williman, Williamson, Wilhelm |
| Frequency Comparisons[1] | |
Earliest recorded usage
See also
Notes
- Williams Surname at Forebears
- Reaney & Wilson p.493
- "The Meaning and Origin of the Surname Williams"
- United States Census Bureau (9 May 1995). s:1990 Census Name Files dist.all.last (1-100). Retrieved on 25 February 2008.
- Reaney & Wilson p.493, sourced from the Rotuli Hundredorum 1812, 1818
- Reaney & Wilson p.493, sourced from the Staffordshire Assize Rolls
References
PH Reaney & RM Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames:The Standard Guide to English Surnames, Oxford University Press, 1995, ISBN 0-19-863146-4.
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