Meaning, origin, history
Wilson is a name of Scottish origin meaning "son of William." It is derived from the Scottish surname that was originally an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Uilliam's son. The name William means "resolute protection" or "strong-willed warrior," so Wilson can be interpreted as "son of the strong-willed warrior."
The name Wilson has been used for centuries in Scotland, but it gained popularity worldwide during the 19th and early 20th centuries due to immigration from Britain. Today, Wilson is considered a classic name that is still widely used, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals named Wilson. Some famous Wilsons include Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States; Kenneth Wilson, a Nobel laureate in Physics; and Harold "Hal" Wilson, former British Labour Party politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Overall, Wilson is a strong and historic name with a rich meaning that has been passed down through generations.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Wilson since 1880
Total births
210
Total since 1880
Peak year
2001
10 births
in 2021
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-19%
↘
vs previous 5 years