William Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

William Name Meaning: This surname comes from the german name 'Wilhelm' the name itself comprises of 'wil'meaning desire or will and 'helm' meaning helmet/protection.

An Anglo-Norman surname which became popular after after the Norman conquest.

Discover how your William ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

William Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the William family

Profession Census Frequency
Female Servant 638
Agricultural Labourer 555
Independent 371
Labourer 337
Farmer 272
Male Servant 216
Collier 181
Shoe Maker 126
Carpenter 103
Tailor 90
Mariner 82
Miner 77
Dress Maker 58
Blacksmith 47
Joiner 45
Copperman 45
Mason 44
Shipwright 43
Pauper 41
Publican 41
Pitman 41
Servant 39
Butcher 34
Clerk 34
Baker 33

William Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 William 100% 94,374
2 Woollam 57% 1,487
3 Willam 86% 803
4 Wallam 71% 304
5 Wellum 57% 173
6 Wollam 71% 151
7 Wellam 71% 134
8 Wollom 57% 127
9 Wiliam 86% 110

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The surname William is the most popular version of all its varients

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