Summary

The surname WILL is of English origin and is derived from the personal name William, which means 'protector' or 'resolute guardian'. The surname has a rich history, with records dating back to the 11th century. It was originally a given name, but later became a popular surname. Today, the surname WILL is widespread across the globe, with numerous variations in different regions.
There are
12575
Wills in the USA
Will is the
2869th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Will

WilliamShakespeare

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist.

WilliamWallace

William Wallace was a Scottish knight who became one of the main leaders during the Wars of Scottish Independence.

WilliamWilberforce

William Wilberforce was a British politician, philanthropist, and leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade.

WilliamWordsworth

William Wordsworth was an English poet who, with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, helped to launch the Romantic Age in English literature.

Williamthe

William the Conqueror was the first Norman King of England, reigning from 1066 until his death in 1087.

WilliamHenry

William Henry Harrison was an American military officer and politician who served as the ninth president of the United States in 1841, but died after only a month in office.

WilliamMcKinley

William McKinley was the 25th president of the United States, serving from March 4, 1897, until his assassination in September 1901.

WilliamHoward

William Howard Taft was the 27th president of the United States, serving from 1909 to 1913. He is known for being the only person to have served both as president and as chief justice of the United States.

WilliamJames

William James was an American philosopher and psychologist, and the first educator to offer a psychology course in the United States.

WilliamPenn

William Penn was an English Quaker and founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, the English North American colony and the future Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Will Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Will' is of English origin and is derived from the given name William, which means 'will' or 'desire' and 'protection' or 'helmet'.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Will' is most commonly found in the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Will' include 'Wills', 'Williams', 'Williamson', and 'Willson'.
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Will' has been carried by immigrants to various countries, especially during periods of emigration from the United Kingdom and Germany.