Wilson is a common patronymic surname tied to the personal name William. It appears in many British records and became especially widespread in North America.
Meaning and Origin
The name combines Will, a short form of William, with the patronymic ending -son. It reflects a broader naming pattern shared with other English and Scottish family names.
Geographic Distribution
Wilson is common in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Historical Records and Context
The surname appears in medieval taxation, parish, and legal materials. Later migration from Britain and Ireland helped establish Wilson as a frequent surname in colonial and modern records.
Spelling Variants
- Willson
- Wilsone
- Wilsen
Notable People
- Woodrow Wilson (US president)
- Owen Wilson (actor)