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Wilson Name Meaning and Origin

What Does the Name Wilson Mean?

The name Wilson is derived from the Old English and Scottish surname Willson, which means 'son of Will' or 'son of William'. The name William comes from the Germanic elements 'wil' meaning 'will, desire' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet, protection'. Therefore, the name Wilson can be interpreted as 'son of the protector' or 'son of the strong-willed'.

Wilson Name Origin

The Wilson name has English, Scottish, and Gaelic origins. In England, the name Wilson was first recorded in the 14th century as a patronymic surname. In Scotland, the name Wilson was derived from the Gaelic Mac Gillebhain, meaning 'son of the servant of St. Bean'. The name Wilson was also used as an anglicized version of the Scottish Gaelic name MacLachlainn, meaning 'son of Lachlan'. In Germany, the name Wilson was derived from the Germanic personal name Willihelm, which means 'resolute protector'.

Wilson Name History

The Wilson name has a long history dating back to medieval times. The name was first recorded in England in the 14th century as a patronymic surname. It was also used as a given name for boys in the 19th century. The name Wilson became popular in Scotland in the 16th century and was used as an anglicized version of the Scottish Gaelic name MacLachlainn. In the United States, the name Wilson became popular in the 19th century and was used as a surname and given name for boys.

Famous People with the Name Wilson

There have been many famous people with the name Wilson throughout history. Some of the most notable include: 1. Woodrow Wilson - 28th President of the United States 2. Owen Wilson - American actor and comedian 3. Brian Wilson - American musician and songwriter 4. Luke Wilson - American actor 5. Nancy Wilson - American singer and songwriter 6. Robert Anton Wilson - American author and philosopher 7. Mara Wilson - American actress and writer 8. Rebel Wilson - Australian actress and comedian 9. Rainn Wilson - American actor and comedian 10. Patrick Wilson - American actor and singer

Popularity of the Name Wilson

The name Wilson has been a popular surname for centuries and has been used as a given name for boys since the 19th century. According to the Social Security Administration, the name Wilson was the 462nd most popular name for boys in the United States in 2020. The name has been steadily increasing in popularity over the past decade, with many parents choosing it for its strong and classic sound.

Variations of the Name Wilson

There are several variations of the name Wilson, including: 1. Willson 2. Wilsen 3. Wilsin 4. Wilsun 5. Wylson 6. Welson 7. Wilsson 8. Willemsen 9. Willhelm 10. Willison

Final Thoughts

The name Wilson is a strong and classic name that has been used as a surname and given name for centuries. Its meaning and origin are rooted in Old English, Scottish, and Germanic traditions, making it a versatile and timeless choice for parents. Whether you choose to name your child Wilson as a tribute to a family member or simply because you love the sound of the name, it is sure to be a name that will stand the test of time.