Williams Surname

A Fun, Fact-Filled Look at the Meaning and Origin of the
Williams Surname

Williams Name Meaning

The Williams surname, meaning ‘son of William,’ has its roots in the German name Wilhelm, which translates to ‘helmet of resolve.’ This patronymic name is derived from the combination of two Germanic elements: ‘will’ (desire, will) and ‘helm’ (helmet, protection). The Old French version, Guillaume, later evolved into the name Williams.

Williams Last Name Variations

Virtually all surnames have developed phonetic and spelling variations over many centuries in many countries. A person’s last name was often spelled however it sounded to the person recording it.

When you’re researching your branch of the Williams family tree, you may find that your ancestors used one or more of these variations of the Williams surname: Villems, Wailliams, Weilliams, Wellems, Whellams, Whilliams, Wiliams, Willaims, Willams, Willans, Willems, Willemsz, Williaams, Williaims, William, Williamns, Williamse, Williamson, Williamsz, Willians, Willliams, Wiolliams, Wuilliams.

Williams Last Name Origin

The earliest origins of the Williams surname can be found in Wales during the Middle Ages. Because William was a popular first name in Wales, it became a common surname, with the “s” added to indicate “son of William.”

Williams as a last name was first found in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1279, which acted as a census for England and parts of Wales in the 13th century. The Rolls listed Richard Williams, making him the earliest known person to bear the Williams surname.

Over time, the popularity of the Williams surname grew, and between the 16th and 18th centuries, many families across the Welsh countryside began to adopt it. Today, the last name Williams continues to be one of the most common surnames in Wales and other English-speaking countries.

Williams Surname Geography

Approximately 64% of people with the last name Williams live in America. It is the third most popular surname in the country, surpassed only by the surnames Smith and Johnson. The largest concentration of people with the Williams name can be found in Texas.

In England and Wales, there are approximately 380,000 people with the last name Williams. The name is especially popular in Liverpool, Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, and south Wales.

Williams Baronies

A baron or baroness is a noble or honorific status that is either inherited or bestowed. It refers to someone who is below a duke, marquess, earl, and viscount but above a lord and knight. My Lord or Your Lordship is used when directly addressing a baron. My Lady or Your Ladyship is used when directly addressing a baroness.

There have been three hereditary baronies held by people with the last name Williams:

Baron Williams of Thame was created on February 17, 1554, for John Williams (c. 1500–1559). He was Master of the Jewels and Lord President of the Council of the Welsh Marches. His primary responsibility was managing the Jewel House, which houses the Crown Jewels. From 1536 to 1541, John played an instrumental role in disbanding monasteries, convents, and friaries in Wales, England, and Ireland on behalf of Henry VIII. Because his three sons predeceased him, the barony became extinct upon his death.

Baron Williams of Ynyshir in the County of Glamorgan was created on June 24, 1948, for Thomas Edward Williams (1892–1966). He was a member of the co-operative movement and served as president of the Co-operative Wholesale Society and Co-operative Congress. Thomas was also a Commander of the Order of Dannebrog, a Danish order of chivalry. The peerage became extinct upon his death in 1966.

Baron Ogmore of Bridgend in the County of Glamorgan was created on July 10, 1950, for David Rees-Williams (1903-1976). David was a Welsh veterinary surgeon who later became a Member of Parliament for Croydon South. The title is currently held by Tudor David Rees-Williams, 4th Baron Ogmore (b. 1991).

Williams Baronetcies

A baronet is someone who has received a baronetcy, a hereditary title from the British Crown. They rank below barons but above knights, with the exception of the Knights of the Garter in England and The Order of the Thistle in Scotland. Baronets are addressed as “Sir (forename),” and their wives are addressed as “Lady (surname).”

Twenty-one baronetcies have been created for people with the last name Williams:

The Williams Baronetcy, of Vaynol in the County of Carnarvon, was created in the Baronetage of England on June 15, 1622, for William Williams (died c. 1630). The title became extinct upon the death of the 6th Baronet in 1696.

The Williams Baronetcy, of Marnhull in the County of Dorset, was created in the Baronetage of England on April 19, 1642, for Edmund Williams (d. 1644). The title became extinct upon the death of the 2nd Baronet in 1680.

The Williams Baronetcy, of Minster in the County of Kent, was created in the Baronetage of England on April 22, 1642, for John Williams (c. 1609-1669). The title became extinct upon his death.

The Williams Baronetcy, of Llangibby in the County of Monmouth, was created in the Baronetage of England on May 14, 1642, for Trevor Williams (c.1622-1692). The title became extinct upon the death of the 5th Baronet in 1753.

The Williams Baronetcy, of Guernevet in the County of Brecon, was created in the Baronetage of England on May 4, 1644, for Henry Williams (c.1607-c.1652). The title became extinct upon the death of the 3rd Baronet, circa 1695.

The Williams-Bulkeley Baronetcy, of Penrhyn in the County of Caernarvon, was created for Griffith Williams (d. 1663). He was the Sheriff of Carnarvonshire and a Commissioner of Assessment. Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell made Griffith a baronet on May 28, 1658, but his baronetcy was disallowed after the Restoration in 1660. However, King Charles II made him a baronet again on June 17, 1661, likely due to the influence of his late uncle, Archbishop John Williams. The title is currently held by Sir Richard Thomas Williams-Bulkeley (b. 1939), the 14th Baronet.

The Williams Baronetcy, of Elham in the County of Kent, was created in the Baronetage of England on November 12, 1674, for Thomas Williams (c.1621-1712), Physician to Charles I and James II. The title became extinct upon the death of the 5th Baronet in 1804.

The Williams, later Williams-Wynn Baronetcy, of Gray’s Inn in the City of London, was created in the Baronetage of England on July 6, 1688, for William Williams (c.1634-1700). In the 18th century, the Williams-Wynn family become the largest landowners in north Wales. The title is currently held by Sir David Watkin Williams-Wynn (b. 1940), the 11th Baronet.

The Williams Baronetcy, of Edwinsford in the County of Carmarthen, was created in the Baronetage of Great Britain on July 30, 1707, for Nicholas Williams (1681-1745). The title became extinct upon his death.

The Williams Baronetcy, of Clapton in the County of Northampton, was created in the Baronetage of Great Britain on April 4, 1747, for Hutchins Williams (1700-1758). The title became extinct upon the death of the 3rd Baronet in 1784.

The Williams Baronetcy, of Bodelwyddan in the County of Flint, was created in the Baronetage of Great Britain on July 24, 1798, for John Williams (1761-1830). The title became extinct upon the death of the 9th baronet in 2018.

The Williams Baronetcy, of Kars, was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom on July 18, 1856, for William Fenwick Williams (1800-1883). William was a military general from Nova Scotia. He fought for the British during the Victorian era, distinguishing himself during the Crimean War (fought from October 1853 to February 1856 between Russia and an alliance of the Ottoman Empire, France, the United Kingdom, and Sardinia-Piedmont). His defense of the town of Kars in present-day northeast Turkey resulted in 6,000 Russian casualties. William’s Russian adversary, General Nikolay Muravyov-Amursky, said, “General Williams, you have made yourself a name in history, and posterity will stand amazed at the endurance, courage, and the discipline which the siege has called forth in the remains of the army.”

In 1865, William was appointed the first Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, a position he held until 1867. He was awarded the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, a British order of chivalry, in 1871, and a decade later, he was appointed as the Constable of the Tower of London. Several villages and streets in Nova Scotia have been named in his honor. The title became extinct upon his death.

The Williams Baronetcy, of Tregullow in the County of Cornwall, was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom on August 4, 1866, for William Williams (1791-1870), a younger son of the Williams family of Caerhays and Burncoose, a prominent and wealthy Cornish mining family. The title is currently held by Sir Donald Mark Williams (b. 1954), the 10th Baronet.

The Williams Baronetcy, of the City of London, was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom on October 30, 1894, for John Williams (1840-1926). The title became extinct upon his death.

The Williams Baronetcy, of Castell Deudrath, and Borthwen in the County of Merioneth, was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom on July 28, 1909, for Arthur Osmond Wynn Williams (1849-1927). The title became extinct with the death of the 2nd Baronet in 2012.

The Williams Baronetcy, of Bridehead in the County of Dorset, was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom on February 9, 1915, for Robert Williams (1848-1943). The family seat is in Bridehead, Littlebredy, Dorchester, Dorset. The title is currently held by Sir (Robert) Philip Nathaniel Williams
(b. 1950), 4th Baronet.

The Williams, later Rhys Williams Baronetcy, of Miskin in the Parish of Llantrisant in the County of Glamorgan, is a title in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1918 for Rhys Williams (1865-1955). The title is currently held by Sir (Arthur) Gareth Ludovic Emrys Rhys Williams (b. 1961), 3rd Baronet.

The Williams Baronetcy, of Park in the County of Aberdeen, was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom on June 29, 1928, for Robert Williams (1860-1938). The title became extinct upon his death.

The Williams Baronetcy, of Glyndwr in the County of Carmarthen, was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom on July 10, 1935, for Evan Williams (1871-1959). The title became extinct upon his death.

The Williams Baronetcy, of Cilgeraint in the County of Carnarvon, was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom on July 3, 1953, for the Conservative politician Herbert Williams (1884-1954). As of 2013, the title is held by Sir Anthony Geraint Williams (b.1958), 3rd Baronet.

The Williams Baronetcy, of Llanelly in the County of Carmarthen, was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom in 1955, for George Clark Williams (1878-1958). The title became extinct upon his death.

Williamses That Shaped History

John Williams: Archbishop of York

John Williams (1582-1650) was a Welsh clergyman and political advisor to King James I. He held several high-level positions throughout his career, including Bishop of Lincoln, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, and Archbishop of York. He was the last bishop to serve as Lord Chancellor.

In addition to his political career, John was involved in the English Civil War. His exploits are chronicled in Norman Tucker’s book Prelate at Arms. He was also the main character in the fictional work Castle of Care and was also part of another Tucker novel, Restless We Roam.

Roger Williams: Founder of Rhode Island

Roger Williams (1603-1683) was a Puritan minister, theologian, and author who founded Providence Plantations, which became the U.S. state of Rhode Island. He advocated for religious freedom, separation of church and state, and fair dealings with Native Americans. Roger believed that civil government had no basis for meddling in matters of religious belief, and his views had a tremendous influence on the Founding Fathers of America. His descendants include Vice President Nelson Rockefeller and Governor Sarah Palin. Many memorials, parks, universities, and monuments are named for Roger.

James Miller Williams: King of Canadian Oil

James Miller Williams (1818-1890) is known as the “Father of the Canadian Oil Industry.” Originally a carriage maker from New Jersey, he migrated to Canada and eventually ventured into the oil industry in the mid-1800s. He became the first to establish a commercially successful oil well in North America in 1858, initiating the first oil boom in the region. His endeavors in the oil sector led to the creation of the world’s first integrated oil company, producing, refining, and marketing petroleum products, notably marketing kerosene as ‘Victoria Oil.’  He also served as a political figure, representing Hamilton in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1867 to 1879. 

Cathay Williams: African American Soldier

Cathay Williams (1844-1893) was the first African American woman to enlist in the Civil War and the only woman known to have served in the United States Army while disguised as a man during the Indian Wars. Born in Independence, Missouri, to an enslaved mother and a free father, she disguised herself as a man and enlisted in the Army under the name “William Cathay” in 1866. Cathay was discovered to be a woman when a military doctor examined her during a hospitalization for smallpox. She was honorably discharged in 1868 but later became the only known female in a Buffalo Soldier (all African American) military regiment. 

Hank Williams: One of the Most Influential Musicians of the 20th Century

Hiram “Hank” Williams (1923-1953) was an American country music singer, songwriter, and musician. He recorded 55 singles that reached the top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart. Despite penning iconic hits such as “Your Cheatin’ Heart”, “Hey, Good Lookin'”, and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” he was dismissed by the Grand Ole Opry due to his unreliability and alcoholism. Hank died in the back seat of a car near Oak Hill, West Virginia, on New Year’s Day 1953. He is one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century.

Tennessee Williams: One of the Most Influential Playwrights of the 20th Century

Thomas Lanier Williams III (1911–1983), better known by his pen name Tennessee Williams, was an American playwright and screenwriter. He is widely considered one of the most influential playwrights of the 20th century. His play The Glass Menagerie (1944) introduced “plastic theatre” and drew heavily from his own unhappy childhood. His 1947 drama A Streetcar Named Desire is on most short lists as one of the finest American plays of the 20th century. Other famous works by Tennessee include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1955), Sweet Bird of Youth (1959), and The Night of the Iguana (1961). He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1979.

Serena and Venus Williams: Revolutionized the Sport of Women’s Tennis

Serena Jameka Williams (b. 1981) is widely considered the best female tennis player of all time and, according to Twitter, the most tweeted about female athlete of all time. In 2029, she was named Female Athlete of the Decade for the 2010s by The Associated Press. Her career prize money exceeds $100 million.

Venus Ebony Starr Williams (b. 1980) has won seven Grand Slam singles titles, five at Wimbledon and two at the US Open. She was ranked No. 1 in the world in 2002, which made her the first African American woman to reach the top of the rankings in the Open era. Along with her sister, Serena, the Williamses are credited with bringing power and athleticism to the women’s pro tennis tour.

Places Named Williams

• Williams, Alabama
• Williams, Arizona
• Williams, California
• Williams, Georgia
• Williams, Indiana
• Williams, Iowa
• Williams, Kentucky
• Williams, Louisiana
• Williams, Minnesota
• Williams, Mississippi
• Williams, Montana
• Williams, New Jersey
• Williams, North Carolina
• Williams, Oklahoma
• Williams, Oregon
• Williams, Pennsylvania
• Williams, South Carolina
• Williams, Tennessee
• Williams, Texas
• Williams, Utah
• Williams, Virginia
• Williams, Western Australia

Williams DNA Project

A Williams DNA Project is hosted by FamilyTreeDNA. The main goal of the project is to identify and unite the various branches of the Williams family tree through DNA test results. It is open to anyone with the surname Williams in their family tree. Currently, there are 2,522 participants.

Williams Ancestry Resources

1. Bardsley, C. W. (2017). A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames. In With Special American Instances (Classic Reprint). Burke, B. (1884). 
2. The general armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales: Comprising a registry of armorial bearings from the earliest to the present time. London: Harrison.
3.  A Genealogical and Heraldic Dictionary of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain 1863– Williams of Tregullow article on p.1668, provided by Google Books.
4. “Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Williams, William Fenwick – Wikisource, the Free Online Library.”
5. “Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Williams, John (1500?-1559) – Wikisource, the Free Online Library.”