Wilson Family Crest and Surname Origin
A short guide to the Wilson surname: its meaning, its roots in England & Scotland, and its heraldry.
Origin of the Wilson name
Wilson means "son of Will", a medieval pet form of William. It took root in northern England and the Scottish Lowlands, where pet-name patronymics were especially popular, and was carried by Scots and Ulster Scots to North America, where it is among the most common surnames.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Wilson name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Wilson name in England & Scotland. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, Canada and Australia; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
Get your full Wilson family history
The researched Wilson pack traces meaning, early bearers and migration routes, and includes a personalized Wilson coat of arms.
Wilson name FAQ
What does the Wilson name mean?
Son of Will (William). Common variants include Willson, Willison.
Where does the Wilson surname come from?
It originates in England & Scotland, and is also found in the United States, Canada and Australia.
Is there a Wilson coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Wilson crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Wilson coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: Reaney & Wilson, Dictionary of English Surnames; US Census Bureau 2010; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford).