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Wilson
Meaning: Son of William (resolute protector)
Ancestral homeland: England / United States (Europe (Western & Northern)). Starting letter: W.
The surname "Wilson" is of English origin, meaning "Son of William (resolute protector)". In the United States, it ranks #14 in frequency with an estimated 801,000 individuals, predominantly living in California, Texas, Florida. Historically, Patronymic surname formed from the diminutive "Wil" + "son".
Historical Roots & Etymology
Patronymic surname formed from the diminutive "Wil" + "son". Highly prevalent in Northern England and the Scottish borders from the 14th century onward.
As an Occupational surname, the patronymic or occupational title reflects cultural traditions preserved across centuries. Ancient parish registers, civil census returns, and municipal tax rolls document early branches of the Wilson family adapting their spelling and pronunciation across migrations.
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How Common is the Surname Wilson in the US?
#14
Top US Surnames801,000
American residents2405.4
per 1 Million people+14.2%
US Census cycleTop US States by Wilson Population Density % of all US bearers
American Immigration Manifests & Ports of Arrival
Immigration records at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) trace primary waves of Wilson families arriving in the United States during the Ulster-Scots & Northern English Migration (1700s).
Global Geographic Distribution & Diaspora
Historical records trace prominent lineages of the Wilson family across these major worldwide regions:
Notable Historical Figures & Bearers of "Wilson"
Celebrated individuals carrying the surname Wilson with distinction across civic governance, literature, science, and industry:
Historical Spelling Variants
Before standardized spelling conventions in the 19th century, civil census enumerators recorded multiple phonetically related variants:
Frequently Asked Questions about Wilson
Expert answers to common questions about names, origins, and naming traditions
The surname Wilson originates from English heritage and traditionally translates to "Son of William (resolute protector)". Historically, it was adopted as an occupational marker to signify clan lineage, professional craft, or geographic homeland.
According to United States Census Bureau records, Wilson ranks as the #14 most common surname in America, carried by an estimated 801,000 people (2405.4 occurrences per million residents). The highest concentrations are found in California (12.5%), Texas (10.8%), Florida (8.4%), New York (7.9%), Pennsylvania (6.2%).
Major waves of families carrying the name Wilson arrived in North America during the Ulster-Scots & Northern English Migration (1700s). The primary historical ports of entry recorded in immigration manifests include Philadelphia, Charleston, New York.
Notable individuals with the surname Wilson include Woodrow Wilson (28th US President), Rebel Wilson (Actress), Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys), recognized for their contributions in history, governance, arts, and science.
Recorded historical spelling variations and regional cognates of Wilson include Willson, Wilsone.
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Surname Fast Facts
- Origin / Demonym
- English
- Ancestral Nation
- 🏴 England / United States
- Classification
- Occupational
- US Frequency Rank
- #14
- Est. US Population
- ~801,000
- Primary US State
- California
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