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 Text  An excerpt from www.HouseOfNames.com archives copyright © 2000 - 2012
Origins Available: German, Welsh
Where did the German Williams family come from? What is the German Williams family crest and coat of arms? When did the Williams family first arrive in the United States? Where did the various branches of the family go? What is the Williams family history?
The German state of Prussia, which reached the zenith of its power in the late 19th century, is the glorious birthplace of the distinguished surname Williams. In the medieval era, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the German lands were inhabited by a variety of Barbarian tribes. The borders of the Barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known in Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. The colorful history of Brandenburg-Prussia, which is essentially the birthplace of modern Germany, provides a glimpse at the oldest origins of the Williams family.
 MoreMore about the Williams History...
Please remember that this page is only a small extract of our complete history that includes: - Ancient origin of the name (usually pre-1100)
- Known spelling variations
- Early movement of the family name during the Middle Ages
- Noteworthy bearers from the 1500-1600s
- First settlers to North America
- Notable contemporary bearers of the name
- A description and/or full color picture of the Coat of Arms, Crest, and Motto (where available)
Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Williams include Wilhelm, Wilhem, Wilhelmi (Latinized), Wilhelmy, Wilhelmus (Latinized), Wilhelms, Wilhelmsen (Holstein), Wilhalm ( Bavaria, Austria), Wilms (Friesland) and many more.First found in northern Germany, where the name was associated in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout European history. The name would eventually emerge as belonging to a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs. Its use as a Surname must be traced back to its immense popularity as a first name early in the Middle Ages. Indeed, one chronicle mentions a knight's feast in Bayeux around 1171 A.D. in which alone 117 Wilhelms were listed as taking part.
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Our PDF Extended History includes the early history!
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Williams research. Another 211 words(15 lines of text) covering the years 1709, 1812, 1845, and 1864 are included under the topic Early Williams History in all our PDF Extended History products.
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Our PDF Extended History includes the early notables!
Another 28 words(2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Williams Notables in all our PDF Extended History products.
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This is a small excerpt from our full listing of settlers for the name Williams. Our PDF Extended History provide the complete listing from our dbase of over 500,000 settlers!
Prussia played an extremely influential role in shaping modern German history. It remained a part of Germany until after the Second World War. Prussia was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. Many Prussians became residents of these new countries after the War, and many migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly to Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Williams were
Williams Settlers in the United States in the 17th Century
- David Williams and Elizabeth Williams, who both settled in Virginia in 1623
- Edward Williams settled in Virginia in 1624
- Richard Williams, who came to Maine in 1630
- Anto Williams, aged 14, arrived in St Christopher in 1635
- Davie Williams, aged 17, arrived in Barbados in 1635
Williams Settlers in the United States in the 18th Century
- Agnes Williams, who arrived in Virginia in 1717
- Elizabeth Williams, who arrived in Carolina in 1724
- Alexander Williams, who landed in Philadelphia, Pa in 1746
- Alice Williams, who immigrated to Maryland in 1749
- Elijah Williams, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1795
Williams Settlers in the United States in the 19th Century
- Timothy Williams, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pa in 1808
- John Williams, who arrived in New York, NY in 1812
- Albert Williams, aged 24, arrived in Pennsylvania in 1814
- George Williams, who came to Boston in 1822
- Caroline Williams, who arrived in New York, NY in 1826
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We offer a large range of products for you to enjoy with your Coat of Arms. From the coffee cup in the kitchen to the frame in the living room.
- Major Charles Quincy Williams (1933-1982), United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War
- Tennessee Williams (1911-1983), well-known American playwright, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, 1948 and 1955 and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
- Archie Williams (1915-1993), American engineer and Olympic gold medalist at the 1936 Olympic Games
- Hiram King Williams (1923-1952), better known as Hank Williams Sr., popular country music singer and songwriter
- Robin Williams (b. 1951), Award-winning American entertainer, actor, and comedian
- Richard "Dick" Norris Williams II (1891-1968), famed American tennis player and a survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster in April 1912
- Myrna Williams (1905-1993), original name of Myrna Loy, American actress, best known for her roles with William Powell in the Thin Man films.
- Jody Williams (b. 1950), American teacher and aid worker awarded the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize
- Mary Lou Williams (1910-1981), American jazz pianist
- John Towner Williams (1932-1839), American composer, conductor, and pianist, five-time winner of the Academy Award, four Golden Globe Awards, seven BAFTA Awards and 21 Grammy Awards
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Another 10 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products. MoreMore about the Williams History...
We have comprised a great deal of suggested readings that would be of interest to you and your family.
- The Ancestors and Descendants of Ebenezer and Martha Porter Williams of Painesville, Ohio by Percy Williams Lewis.
- The Ancestor; The World of William Williams by John Francis Williams.
- Diamonds in the Desert: The Family History of Bill and Gertie Williams by Billie William Yost.
MoreMore Williams Products...
All products shipped by HouseofNames.com are 100% guaranteed. HouseofNames.com and its partners have been researching and writing family name history documents since 1968. We have provided millions of histories worldwide - each with the Personal Service that ensures that new customers become repeat customers. | More Family Crest Products |
MoreMore about the Williams Family Crest...
Our PDF Coat of Arms + Extended History product is the whole package all in one. With a full color Coat of Arms along with a very detailed History, full symbolism, bibliography and settlers listed by the centuries.
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- Bahlow, Hans. Deutschlands geographische Namenwelt Etymologisches Lexikon der Fluss- und Ortsnamen alteuropaischer Herkunft. Frankfurt: Suhrkamp, 1985. Print.
- Steed, Henry Wickham . The Hapsburg Monarchy. London: Constable and Company, 1919. Print.
- Siebmacher, J.J. Siebmacher's Grosses Wappenbuch 35 Volumes. Germany: Bauer & Raspe. Print.
- Nied, Edmund. Fraenkische Familiennamen urkundlich gesammelt und sprachlich gedeutet. Heidelberg: C. Winter, 1933. Print.
- Zieber, Eugene. Heraldry in America. Philadelphia: Genealogical Publishing Co. Print.
- Crozier, William Armstrong Edition. Crozier's General Armory A Registry of American Families Entitled to Coat Armor. New York: Fox, Duffield, 1904. Print.
- Bahlow, Hans. Abhandlungen zur Namenforschung und Buchgeschichte. 1980. Print. (ISBN 978-3768690522).
- Robb H. Amanda and Andrew Chesler. Encyclopedia of American Family Names. New York: Haper Collins, 1995. Print. (ISBN 0-06-270075-8).
- Bahlow, Hans and Edda Gentry. Translation Dictionary of German Names 2nd Edition. Madison: University of Wisconsin, 2002. Print.
- Strassburger, Ralph B. German Pioneers The Original Lists of Arrivals in the Port of Philadelphia 3 Volumes. Baltimore: Picton Press, 1992. Print. (ISBN 978-0929539980).
- ...
The Williams Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Williams Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.
This page was last modified on 20 May 2012 at 03:25.
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