Origin and Meaning of Wilson

Son of Will, son of William

Origin: English - Wilson is a patronymic surname that has its origins in the Old Germanic name Wilhelm, which was derived from the elements 'wil' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection).

• Wilson is a popular surname that transitioned into use as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries.
• In addition to its usage as a first name, Wilson is also a common surname, often indicative of descent from someone named William.
• Notable bearers of the name include Wilson Pickett, an influential American singer-songwriter known for his work in the soul music genre, and Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States.
• The name Wilson has been gradually increasing in popularity as a first name in the United States in recent decades.
• Variations of the name include Will, Willy, and Willa, with 'William' being its formal root.