Willson
2025 SSA
About Willson
Willson is a masculine name that originated as a surname meaning 'son of Will' or 'son of William.' William itself derives from Germanic elements meaning 'resolute protector' or 'determined guardian.' Willson represents a variation of the more common spelling Wilson, with the doubled 'l' maintaining closer visual connection to its root name Will. As a first name, Willson follows the trend of using surnames as given names, appealing to parents seeking names with traditional roots but distinctive presentation. While less common than Wilson, it carries the same strong, dependable connotations. The name projects reliability and strength, with the familiar nickname options of Will or Willie available for everyday use.
Pronounced WIL-sun.
As of October 2026, Willson ranked #9658 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #2645 in 1914.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | — | 0 | 0 |
Willson on lists
Famous Willsons
- Willson Osborne
American composer
- (Charles) Willson Woodside
Canadian WWII journalist
- Willson Joseph
Indian actor