Surname · English origin
Wilson
Meaning
The surname Wilson means Son of Will.
Origin
English
Type
patronymic
Variants
1
The origin of the surname Wilson
Wilson means “son of Will,” a pet form of William.
What kind of surname is Wilson?
Wilson is a patronymic surname, derived from a father's or ancestor's given name. It belongs to the English naming tradition — you can read how English surnames were formed on our English last names page.
Variants & spellings of Wilson
You may also see this surname written as:
- Willson
Other English surnames
Other patronymic surnames
Family names formed the same way, from different cultures.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Wilson mean?
The surname Wilson means Son of Will. Wilson means “son of Will,” a pet form of William.
Where does the surname Wilson come from?
Wilson is a surname of English origin.
What kind of surname is Wilson?
Wilson is a patronymic surname, derived from a father's or ancestor's given name.
What are other spellings of Wilson?
Variant spellings of Wilson include Willson.
What are other English surnames?
Other English surnames include Bailey, Baker, Brown, Chapman, Clarke, Cook.