All about the name

Wilson

Male

« Wilson is an English name derived from the Scottish surname Wilson, meaning 'son of William'. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Wilson is a name of English origin that is derived from the Scottish surname Wilson, which means "son of William." The name William itself comes from the German name Willahelm, which is composed of two elements: "will," meaning desire or resolve, and "helm," meaning helmet or protection. The Wilson family was originally a Scottish clan that traced its roots back to the 12th century. The surname Wilson was one of the earliest recorded names in Scotland, appearing in records as early as the 13th century. Over time, the name spread to other parts of Britain and eventually made its way across the Atlantic Ocean to North America with Scottish and English settlers. Today, Wilson is a popular given name for boys, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. While it does not have any specific cultural or historical significance beyond its origins, it is often associated with strength, leadership, and determination, qualities that may be attributed to its meaning of "son of William," who was a famous Norman conqueror.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Wilson since 1880

Total births
47,969
Total since 1880
Peak year
1918
1,381 births
in 2023
404
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+13%
vs previous 5 years