Wilsson Family Name and Heraldry

A Wilsson ancestor may well appear as Wilson in earlier records.

The name is generally explained as “Son of Will (William)”. The extra “s” in Wilsson is a spelling habit rather than a different name. Before spelling was standardised, one family could appear under several forms. Other spellings include Willson, Wilsonn and Willison.

Wilsson coat of arms

Heraldry is personal: arms associated with the Wilson surname were borne by specific families, and sharing the name does not mean sharing the blazon.

Want more than a summary? See the Wilsson family name pack.