A Fun and Fact-Filled Look at the Wilson Surname
Early Origins of the Wilson Surname
The Wilson surname originated approximately 900 years ago. It is a patronymic form of the name Will, which means “desire.”
William, or the shorter Will, became a popular name following the rise to power of William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England. When surnames became mandated for tax purposes, many people chose, or were given the surname Wilson, meaning “son of William.”
While the Wilson name can be found in most countries today, its early origins are closely associated with the United Kingdom. Robert Willeson of the Manor of Wakefield, Yorkshire, is believed to be the first person recorded with a variation of the Wilson surname in 1324. The first formal use of the Wilson surname came in 1341 when Robert Wilson was recorded at Kirkstall, Yorkshire.
It is important to note that there are many Wilson families with no close patrilineal relationship.
Wilson 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 Wilson family tree, you may find that your ancestors used one or more of these variations of the Wilson surname: Villson, Weelson, Weilson, Wellson, Welshon, Whilson, Wielsen, Wielson, Willeson, Willsan, Willsen, Willsom, Willson, Wilsan, Wilsen, Wilsion, Wilsom, Wilsone, Wilsonh, Wilsonn, Wilsoon, Wilsson, Wilsund, Wilzon, Wuilson, Wulson, Wylson.
Wilson Geography
There are more than 1.7 million people with the Wilson surname in 208 countries, which makes it the 313th most popular surname in the world.
Approximately 57% of people with the last name Wilson live in America. Of the 974,000 American Wilsons, you can find most of them in the state of Texas (9%). Large concentrations of Wilsons can also be found in California (8%) and Georgia (6%).
Wilson Family Crest and Wilson Coat of Arms
While the terms “family crest” and “coat of arms” are often used interchangeably, the family crest is simply one element of a coat of arms.
A common misconception is that there are coats of arms for surnames – there aren’t. Coats of arms belong to specific individuals and families. For a person to have the right to use a coat of arms, they have to have it granted to them or be descended in the legitimate male line from a person that’s had them in the past. Companies that sell surname coats of arms are often selling the arms of a family with the same surname but to whom you have no hereditary connection.
With this knowledge in mind, coats of arms can still be valuable tools for researching and understanding your ancestry. When you’re trying to trace a branch of a family tree, you can sometimes use elements of a coat of arms from the last known ancestor to help identify earlier ancestors. This is because certain elements of a coat were frequently consistent across family branches. And, because every element has meaning, it can help us better understand our ancestors.
Here are four examples of coats of arms that belong to Wilson family members:
Wilson Barons
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, or viscount but above a lord or knight. My Lord, Your Lordship, or My Lady, Your Ladyship is used when directly addressing a baron or baroness.
Nine Wilsons have been created barons in the Peerage of the United Kingdom:
Baron Moran of Manton in the County of Wiltshire was created for Charles Wilson (1882-1977) in 1943. Charles was a personal physician to Winston Churchill and served as president of the Royal College of Physicians (1941-1949). As of 2014, the title is held by the 3rd Baron Moran, James McMoran Wilson (b. 1952).
Baron Nunburnholme of Kingston-upon-Hull was created for Charles Wilson (1833-1907) in 1906. Charles was a Liberal Member of Parliament representing Hull and Hull West. As of 2014, the title is held by the sixth Baron Nunburnholme, Stephen Charles Yanath Wilson (b. 1973).
Baron Wilson of Dinton in the County of Buckinghamshire is a life peerage created for Richard Thomas James Wilson (b. 1942). Richard is a member of the British House of Lords and served as Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary (1998-2002), the most senior civil servant in the United Kingdom.
Baron Wilson of High Wray of Kendal in the County of Cumbria was created in 1976 as a life peerage for Paul Norman Wilson (1908-1980). Paul was Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria and Deputy Lieutenant of Cumberland and Westmorland. He also served as Governor of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) from 1968 to 1972.
Baron Wilson of Langside of Broughton in the County of the City of Edinburgh was created in 1969 as a life peerage for Henry Stephen Wilson (1916-1997). Henry was a Scottish lawyer and politician. He served as Solicitor General for Scotland and Lord Advocate.
Baron Wilson of Libya and of Stowlangtoft in the County of Suffolk was created for Sir Henry Maitland Wilson (1881-1964) in 1946. “Jumbo” Wilson was a British Army officer who held senior military posts during the Second Boer War and the First and Second World Wars. The title became extinct after the death of his only son, the 2nd Baron, in 2009.
Baron Wilson of Radcliffe in the County of Lancashire was a life peerage created for Alfred Wilson (1909-1983) in 1975. Alfred was a well-known member of the British co-operative movement and a member of the Labour and Co-operative Party.
Baron Wilson of Rievaulx in West Yorkshire was a life peerage created in 1983 for James Harold Wilson (1916-1995). James was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1964 to 1970 and again from 1974 to 1976.
Baron Wilson of Tillyorn in Aberdeenshire is a life peerage created for David Clive Wilson (b. 1935). David was the governor of Hong Kong (1987-1992), Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and a crossbencher in the House of Lords.
Wilson Baronets
A baronet is someone who holds a baronetcy, a hereditary title awarded by the British Crown. They are not part of the Peerage of the United Kingdom and rank below barons but above knights, with the exception of Knights of the Garter in England and Knights of the Gartner and of the Thistle in Scotland. Baronets are addressed as “Sir (forename)” and their wives are addressed as “Lady (surname).” As of 2020, there are no living baronetesses.
The following are baronetcies with territorial designations created for people with the last name Wilson:
The Wilson Baronetcy of Airdrie in New Monkland in the County of Lanark was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom in 1906 for John Wilson (1844-1918). John was the chairman of Wilsons and Clyde Coal Company and a member of the House of Commons representing Falkirk Burghs. The title is currently held by the 5th Baronet, Sir James William Douglas Wilson (b. 1960).
The Wilson Baronetcy of Archer House in the County of York was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom in 1897 for Alexander Wilson (1837-1907). Alexander was a successful businessman and Justice of the Peace for the West Riding of York and the City of Sheffield. The title became extinct upon his death.
The Wilson Baronetcy of Carbeth in Killearn in the County of Stirling was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom in 1920 for David Wilson (1855-1930). David was a farmer who helped advance Scottish agriculture. The title is currently held by the 4th Baronet, Sir Thomas David Wilson (b. 1959).
The Wilson Baronetcy of Currygrane in the County of Longford was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom in 1919 for Field Marshal Henry Hughes Wilson (1864-1922). Henry was a senior British Army officer during the First World War. The title became extinct when he was assassinated on his doorstep by Irish Republican Army gunmen.
The Wilson Baronetcy of Delhi (India) was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom in 1858 for Archdale Wilson (1803-1874). Archdale commanded British forces during the Siege of Delhi and during the Indian Rebellion. The title became extinct in 1921.
The Wilson Baronetcy of Eastbourne in the County of Sussex was created in the Baronetage of England in 1661 for William Wilson, a descendant of Sir Thomas Wilson, Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth I. The baronetcy was named the Maryon-Wilson Baronetcy in 1899 and became extinct in 1978.
The Wilson Baronetcy of Eshton Hall in the County of York was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom in 1874 for Matthew Wilson (1802-1891). Matthew was a member of the House of Commons who represented Clitheroe, West Riding of Yorkshire North, and Skipton. The title is currently held by the 7th Baronet, Sir Mathew Edward Amcotts Wilson (b. 1966).
The Wilson Baronetcy of Killenure in the County of Donegal was created in the Baronetage of Ireland for John Wilson, a knight, in 1629. The title became extinct in 1636.
Wilsons that Shaped History
While it would be virtually impossible to discuss every Wilson contribution to history, a few Wilsons are noteworthy for shaping society for better, or worse.
Thomas Wilson (1524-1581)
Thomas was an English diplomat and lawyer. He served as Secretary of State and Privy Councillor for Queen Elizabeth I from 1577 to 1581. Two of his written works, Logique and The Arte of Rhetorique, have been referred to as “the earliest full books on logic and rhetoric in English.”
The Arte of Rhetorique made Thomas one of the most influential writers of his time. He was known for writing in a straightforward style that became popular in the middle of the 1500s. He also pushed for people to stop using rude medieval language.
In 1556, Thomas began the first English translation of the Olynthiacs and Philippics of Demosthenes. He finished and published it in 1970. This was followed by the publication of A Discourse against Usury by Way of Dialogues and Orations in 1572.
Allen B. Wilson (1823-1888)
Image Credit: Nsnskz.
Allen was an American inventor who designed, manufactured, and patented sewing machines that revolutionized the clothing industry. His business, Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Company, sold close to 2,000,000 sewing machines before it was sold to Singer Corporation in 1905.
In 1847, Allen had the idea for the sewing machine but had no idea that it had already been invented. On April 1, 1849, he made his first machine and sold it for $200. He used this cash to secure a patent for a sewing machine that made two stitches in each motion.
Over time, Allen filed two additional patents for his sewing machines: the rotating hook and the four-motion feed. These innovations resulted in numerous prizes at competitions, including the 1861 Industrial Exposition in Paris, the 1862 International Exhibition of London, and the 1868 Exposition Universelle in Paris. In 1873, Wheeler & Wilson was the only sewing machine company to be awarded the Grand Medals of Progress and of Merit at the Vienna World’s Fair.
William Wilson (1844-1912)
William Wilson was a swimming coach who helped develop scientific methods used in competition. He was also the first newspaper journalist to write about swimming and the author of “The Swimming Instructor,” one of the first books to describe the ideas of stroke efficiency, training, racing turns, and water safety.
In 1877, William developed a game he called “aquatic football.” The first competitive game was played at the Bon Accord Festival in Aberdeen, Scotland, and was well-received by onlookers. The Swimming Association of Great Britain later expanded on William’s ideas, leading to the sport we now know as water polo.
William was also widely known for developing and writing about lifesaving tactics and creating the first lifesaving drill. In recognition of his contributions, he was elected the first Life Governor of the Royal Lifesaving Society. In his spare time, William also designed indoor swimming pools.
Thomas Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924)
A list of Wilsons that shaped history would not be complete without including Woodrow Wilson.
In office from 1913 to 1921, Woodrow was the 28th president of the United States and an educator and politician. Before winning the 1912 election for president, he was a member of the Democratic Party and held the positions of the governor of New Jersey and president of Princeton University.
Woodrow led the United States into World War I in 1917 and altered the country’s economic policy throughout his presidency. Wilson’s liberal approach to international affairs became known as Wilsonianism, and he was a key figure in creating the League of Nations.
His legacy includes the creation of the Federal Reserve and Federal Trade Commission, the graduated income tax, and labor protections. He is considered a key figure in the establishment of modern American liberalism.
William Griffith Wilson (1895-1971)
Bill W., a visionary in addiction recovery, co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in the 1930s. This groundbreaking peer-support group was aimed at aiding individuals in overcoming alcoholism.
Bill, who was grappling with his own alcohol addiction, conceptualized AA’s foundational Twelve Step program. This program is a series of principles that guide individuals through recovery. It emphasizes mutual support, acknowledgment of a higher power, and a commitment to assist others on their recovery journey.
His innovative approach has served as a lifeline for millions around the world, leading to the creation of a myriad of recovery programs and reshaping the discourse and treatment of addiction.
Clerow “Flip” Wilson Jr. (1933-1998)
Flip was an American comedian and actor who gained popularity for his television performances in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The Flip Wilson Show, Wilson’s variety program, made its NBC debut in 1970. All of his guests were given the “Flip Wilson Handshake,” which consists of four hand slaps, two elbow bumps, and two hip bumps. His most well-known character was Geraldine Jones, whose catchphrase “The devil made me do it” became part of the American vernacular.
Another character catchphrase, “What you see is what you get,” was made into the acronym WYSIWYG and widely adopted by the computer software industry.
Throughout its four-year run, The Flip Wilson Show received tremendous critical acclaim, high ratings, and popularity among viewers. At one time, the show was the second-highest-rated program on network television. It was nominated for eleven Emmy Awards, winning two of them. Flip also received a Golden Globe nomination. In January 1972, Time magazine featured Flip’s image on its cover and named him “TV’s first black superstar.”
Brian Douglas Wilson (b. 1942)
Brian is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and founding member of the Beach Boys. He is regarded as one of the most influential and innovative composers of the 20th century. Vocal harmonies, intricate orchestrations, and philosophical or inventive themes define his compositions.
He started his professional career in 1961 as a member of the Beach Boys, where he also held the positions of co-lead vocalist, songwriter, producer, bassist, keyboardist, and de facto band leader. Brian was the first pop musician to be acknowledged for producing, composing, arranging, and performing all of his own songs after signing with Capitol Records in 1962. He co-wrote or contributed to more than two dozen U.S. Top 40 hits, including the number-one singles “Surf City” (1963), “I Get Around” (1964), “Help Me, Rhonda” (1965), and “Good Vibrations” (1966).
Brian is regarded as one of the pioneers of rock production and one of the first music producers to use the studio as an instrument. His early songs are frequently credited with capturing the spirit of the early 1960s, and he is considered a pivotal player in a variety of musical movements and genres, such as the California sound, art pop, chamber pop, punk, dream pop, outsider music, Shibuya-kei, and chillwave. Brian has won a number of awards from the music industry, been inducted into a number of music halls of fame, and been named by a number of critics as one of the “best of all time.”
The Wilson Surname Project
The Wilson Surname Project is hosted by FamilyTreeDNA. The main goal of the project is to sort out the many different lineages for the last name Wilson. Any Wilson may join, including those with variant spellings of the Wilson surname. Currently, there are 1,915 participants.
Recommended Wilson Readings
- Ian Samuel, An Astonishing Fellow. The Life of General Sir Robert Wilson, The Kensall Press, London, 1985.
- Burke’s Peerage, Baronetage and Knightage thirtieth edition, 1868, p. 1185.
- Kidd, Charles, Williamson, David (editors). Debrett’s Peerage and Baronetage (1990 edition). New York: St Martin’s Press, 1990.
- Burke, J. (2010). A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Extinct and Dormant Baronetcies of England, by J and J B Burke.
