<P> Wilson is an English and Scottish surname , common in the English - speaking world . The name is derived from a patronymic form of Will , a popular medieval name . The medieval Will is derived from any of several names containing the first Germanic element wil , meaning `` desire '' . Possibly the most common of these names was William , derived from elements wil and helm , meaning `` desire '' and `` helmet '' , `` protection '' . The surname Wilson is first recorded in England as Willeson in 1324 , and in Scotland as Wulson in 1405 . </P>
<P> Wilson is an English and Scottish surname , common in the English - speaking world . The name is derived from a patronymic form of Will , a popular medieval name . The medieval Will is derived from any of several names containing the first Germanic element wil , meaning `` desire '' . Possibly the most common of these names was William , derived from elements wil and helm , meaning `` desire '' and `` helmet '' , `` protection '' . The surname Wilson is first recorded in England as Willeson in 1324 , and in Scotland as Wulson in 1405 . </P>
where does the last name wilson come from
where does the last name wilson come from
England
England