The Williams Coat of Arms and Name Meaning
Discover the meaning of Williams, its origins in Wales & England, and the story behind a Williams family crest.
Origin of the Williams name
Williams is a patronymic meaning "son of William", from the Germanic Wilhelm, combining will (desire) and helm (protection). The name William spread across Britain after the Norman Conquest of 1066. When Welsh families adopted fixed surnames in the 1500s and 1600s, many turned a father's name into Williams, making it one of the most common names in Wales and the third most common in the United States.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Williams name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Williams name in Wales & England. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, Australia and Canada; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
Get your full Williams family history
The complete Williams pack goes much further: documented origins, early records and family spread, plus a hand-checked coat of arms.
Williams name FAQ
What does the Williams name mean?
Son of William. Common variants include Williamson, Willams, Gwilym.
Where does the Williams surname come from?
It originates in Wales & England, and is also found in the United States, Australia and Canada.
Is there a Williams coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Williams crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Williams 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).