Wilson Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Wilson Name Meaning: Originates from England, Scotland and Ireland meaning 'Son of Wil' (William).

Discover how your Wilson 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

Wilson Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Wilson family

Profession Census Frequency
Scholar 19,779
Agricultural Labourer 1,391
Coal Miner 1,373
Domestic Servant 989
General Labourer 967
Dress Maker 938
Labourer 785
General Servant 620
Cotton Weaver 604
Annuitant 551
Farm Labourer 413
House Keeper 406
Laundress 406
Joiner 401
General Servant Domestic 388
Farm Servant Indoor 297
Carpenter 287
Tailor 282
Charwoman 269
Farmers Son 261
No Occupation 231
Grocer 228
Shoe Maker 226
Servant 221
Blacksmith 213

Wilson Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Wilson 100% 744,792
2 Willson 86% 25,983
3 Walson 83% 18,958
4 Welson 83% 8,937
5 Wilosn 67% 260
6 Wolson 83% 250
7 Whilson 86% 198
8 Woolson 71% 193
9 Wlson 83% 182
10 Wilsen 83% 158

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

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