Williams (surname)

Williams is a common patronymic form of the name William that originated in medieval England, Wales, France, and Italy.

The meaning is derived from son or descendant of William, the Northern French form that also gave the English name William. Derived from an Old French given name with Germanic elements; will = desire, will; and helm = helmet, protection. It can be an Anglicised form of the Dutch surname Willems. It is the second most common surname in New Zealand; third most common in Wales and the United States and the fourth most common in Australia.

Earliest recorded usage

 * Willam is from 1279 in Oxfordshire.
 * William is from 1299 in Whitby, Yorkshire.
 * Williames is from 1307 in Staffordshire.