Surname Willings - Meaning and Origin
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Willings: What does the surname Willings mean?
The last name Willings is of English origin and has its roots in the Old English given name Willa. It is thought to have been derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "wille" meaning "will or desire". The name could have been given to someone who demonstrated strong will and determination or someone who was determined to achieve something. Willings is also a variation of an Old English Middle English word "willing", which could mean to be of a voluntary or willing mind.
In medieval times, this name came to be associated with the knights of the Norman Conquest and was used to indicate determination and resolution. Thus, the name Willings was seen as a symbol of strength and courage.
The last name Willings is most commonly found throughout the United Kingdom, especially in England. Those bearing the surname are spread throughout the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
There are many potential origins of the last name Willings. It could have been derived from the old English word "wille" or it could have been given to someone whose personality was indicative of determination and resilience. Whatever its origin, this name is a strong and proud reminder of what it means to have courage and dedication.
Order DNA origin analysisWillings: Where does the name Willings come from?
The last name Willings is a common surname in many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. In the United States, the last name Willings is most common in the southern part of the country, particularly in Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Alabama. According to the 2010 US Census, the Willings surname ranks as the 2,235th most common surname, with 5,397 people bearing the name in the United States.
In the United Kingdom, the Willings surname is relatively uncommon, ranking as 12,582nd most common in the country. Just 309 people bore the last name in the United Kingdom in 2018.
In Germany, the Willings surname is more common than in the UK, ranking as the 2702nd most common in the country in 2019. It is particularly prevalent in the states of Lower Saxony, Thuringia, and Saxony Anhalt.
Due to its English origin, the Willings surname is most common in countries with English-speaking populations, particularly former British colonies. It is also popular in some countries with a significant German-speaking population.
Variations of the surname Willings
The surname Willings, or its variant spellings Wilne, Willens, Willin, Willen, Wilken, Wilkens, Wellens, Welin, and Wellon, are all from the same origin, and all bring forth a shared history.
The surname Willings has its roots in the German name Weling, which is derived from the Old German word weling, meaning 'will' or 'resolution'. The surname was first found in North West Germany and the Netherlands, where it was used as a nickname for a determined or resolute individual. It was also used to refer to someone with a strong will.
At some point after the 11th century, the name began to spread off of the mainland, to parts of the British Isles. Here, the name became more Anglicized, with variations becoming more common, such as Welin, Wellin, Willin and Wilne. As time progressed, the name spread further, eventually finding its way into the United States of America. Here, the variants Willens, Wilken, Wilkens, Wellens, Welin, and Wellon became more of the norm.
Throughout its various forms, the surname Willings has become something of an international name. It can be found in large geneses across the western world, in places such as Britain, North America, Australia, and South Africa. The surname is also often combined with many interesting variations, such as Wilingston, Willingborough, and Wellington.
The surname Willings and its variants all come from the same root and share a common history, but over the centuries, the spelling has evolved into several different forms. The vast array of spellings and surnames makes this a unique and interesting last name.
Famous people with the name Willings
- William Willings: American Cinematographer, who has worked on films such as The Amazing Spider-Man 2, White House Down, Luke Cage, and NCIS.
- Tom Willings: Musician and songwriter from the US, best known for his solo work and his collaborations with artists such as Bloc Party, Hot Chip, and LCD Soundsystem.
- Sarah Willings: British fashion designer, known for her modern and innovative designs as well as her environmentally friendly materials.
- Grace Willings: American actress, best known for her roles in the television series The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and the movie Fame.
- Amanda Willings: English singer best known for her work with the band The Feeling. She has also provided backing vocals for artists such as Kylie Minogue and James Morrison.
- Leon Willings: American DJ and producer from Brooklyn, New York, best known for his signature sound of dubstep and electro house music.
- Todd Willings: Canadian actor, best known for his starring roles in the series Star Trek: Voyager and the films The Good Shepherd and Saw IV.
- Catherine Willings: British theatre and television actress, known for her roles in the television show Black Mirror as well as the films Love Actually and Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.