Show ContentsWilliams History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Welsh name Williams is a patronymic surname derived from the personal name William, which is in turn derived from the Old German names Willihelm and Willelm (the Norman French version was Guillaume). Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, William became the most popular personal name in Britain for a time.

Early Origins of the Williams family

The surname Williams was first found in Breconshire and Monmouthshire on the English/Welsh border, where they are traditionally believed to be descended from Brychan Brecheiniog who was Lord of Brecknock at the time of King Arthur of the Round Table.

The mediaeval seat of the ancestors of the Williams family was at Llangibby Castle in County Monmouth. More recently, the family is descended through Rhys Goch, the red haired Lord Ystradyw from Caradog Vreichvras.

One of the first records of the name was listed as Robertus filius Willelmi [1] which was listed in the Domesday Book. [2] Other early records include Richard Williams who was listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1279 and John Wylyam who was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex in 1296.

Early History of the Williams family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Williams research. Another 134 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1500, 1604, 1621, 1623, 1635, 1636, 1641, 1656, 1660, 1661, 1666, 1668, 1675, 1679, 1683, 1688, 1689, 1692, 1696, 1712, 1739, 1846 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Williams History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Williams Spelling Variations

Welsh surnames are relatively few in number, but they have an inordinately large number of spelling variations. There are many factors that explain the preponderance of Welsh variants, but the earliest is found during the Middle Ages when Welsh surnames came into use. Scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, which often resulted in a single person's name being inconsistently recorded over his lifetime. The transliteration of Welsh names into English also accounts for many of the spelling variations: the unique Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh had many sounds the English language was incapable of accurately reproducing. It was also common for members of a same surname to change their names slightly, in order to signify a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations. For all of these reasons, the many spelling variations of particular Welsh names are very important. The surname Williams has occasionally been spelled Williams, Quilliams, Guilliam, Guilliams and others.

Early Notables of the Williams family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was

  • Roger Williams (c.1604-1683), English-born, American clergyman, founder of the colony of Providence Plantation in 1636
  • Sir Henry Williams, 2nd Baronet (c. 1635-1666), a Welsh politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1660 to 1661
  • John Williams, Archbishop of York in 1641
  • Nathaniel Williams (1656-c.1679), a Welsh writer from Swansea
  • Sir Trevor Williams, 1st Baronet (c. 1623-1692) of Llangibby, Monmouthshire, Welsh gentry landowner and politician
  • Sir William Williams, 6th Baronet (c.1668-1696), a Welsh politician, Member of Parliament for Caernarvonshire (1689-1696), Vice-Admiral of North Wales (1688-1696)
  • William Williams of Connecticut, signer of the American Declaration of Independence

Williams World Ranking

In the United States, the name Williams is the 3rd most popular surname with an estimated 1,738,413 people with that name. [3] However, in Canada, the name Williams is ranked the 17th most popular surname with an estimated 63,729 people with that name. [4] And in Quebec, Canada, the name Williams is the 544th popular surname. [5] Newfoundland, Canada ranks Williams as 27th with 705 people. [6] France ranks Williams as 6,400th with 1,000 - 1,500 people. [7] Australia ranks Williams as 3rd with 105,855 people. [8] New Zealand ranks Williams as 2nd with 8,814 people. [9] The United Kingdom ranks Williams as 23rd with 115,923 people. [10] South Africa ranks Williams as 34th with 106,885 people. [11]

Ireland Migration of the Williams family to Ireland

Some of the Williams family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 87 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Williams migration to the United States +

The Welsh migration to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries contributed greatly to its rapid development. These migrants were in search of land, work, and freedom. Those Welsh families that survived the long ocean journey were critical to the development of new industries and factories, and to the quick settlement of land. They also added to an ever-growing rich cultural heritage. A search of the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Williams:

Williams Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Mr. Henery Williams, who arrived in Virginia in 1613 aboard the ship "Bolton" [12]
  • Mr. Thomas Williams, aged 24, who arrived in Virginia aboard the ship "Duties" in 1618 [12]
  • Mrs. Susan Williams, who arrived in Virginia in 1618 aboard the ship "William and Thomas" [12]
  • Mr. Thomas Williams, (1582-1621), who arrived in Plymouth in 1620 aboard the ship "Mayflower" [12]
  • Mr. Roger Williams, aged 20, who arrived in Virginia in 1622 aboard the ship "Southampton" [12]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Williams Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Agnes Williams, who arrived in Virginia in 1717 [13]
  • Elizabeth Williams, who arrived in Carolina in 1724 [13]
  • Alexander Williams, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1746 [13]
  • Alice Williams, who immigrated to Maryland in 1749
  • Elijah Williams, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1795 [13]
Williams Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Timothy Williams, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1808 [13]
  • John Williams, who arrived in New York, NY in 1812 [13]
  • Albert Williams, aged 24, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1814 [13]
  • George Williams, who settled in Boston in 1822
  • Caroline Williams, who arrived in New York, NY in 1826 [13]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Williams Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mrs. Eliza Williams, aged 23, Welsh settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
  • Mrs. Esther Williams, aged 55, Welsh settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
  • Miss Esther Williams, aged 19, Welsh settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
  • Mr. John Williams, aged 14, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
  • Mrs. Mary Williams, aged 55, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Canada Williams migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Williams Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Deborah Williams, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • Catherine Williams, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1757
  • Mr. Abraham Williams U.E. (b. 1766) who settled in Shelburne, Nova Scotia c. 1783 married to Ann (Nancy) having 13 children, he died in 1846 [14]
  • Mr. John Williams U.E. who settled in Shelburne, Nova Scotia c. 1783 married to Sarah having 4 children, he died in 1792 [14]
  • Mr. John Williams U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 [14]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Williams Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • John Williams, aged 22, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "Augusta" from Liverpool, England
  • Paul Williams, aged 50, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "Elizabeth" from Galway, Ireland
  • John Williams, aged 22, a farmer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the brig "Lady Douglas" from New Ross
  • James Williams, aged 25, a farmer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "William" in 1834
  • Jearry Williams, aged 21, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "William" in 1834
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Australia Williams migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Williams Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
  • Mr. John Williams, English convict who was convicted in Warwick, Warwickshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [15]
  • Mr. John Williams, English convict who was convicted in York, Yorkshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [15]
  • Mr. John Williams, English convict who was convicted in London, England for life, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [15]
  • Mr. John Williams, English convict who was convicted in Hereford, Herefordshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [15]
  • Mr. Thomas Williams, English convict who was convicted in London, England for life, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [15]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Williams Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. John Williams, British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [16]
  • Mr. John Williams, British Convict who was convicted in Shropshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [16]
  • Miss Mary Williams, (Jones), British Convict who was convicted in Hereford, Herefordshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [16]
  • Miss Alice Williams, British Convict who was convicted in Glamorgan, Glamorganshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Experiment" on 4th December 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [17]
  • Miss Catherine Williams, British Convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Experiment" on 4th December 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [17]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Williams Settlers in Australia in the 20th Century
  • Mr. Joseph Williams, (b. 1885), aged 20, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "Miltiades"arriving in Queensland, Australia on 7th August 1905 [18]
  • Mr. John Williams, (b. 1851), aged 57, Cornish labourer who immigrated to New South Wales, Australia aboard the ship "Waikato" in 1870 convicted at Darlinghurst Gaol in 1908 [19]
  • "Mrs. Harriet Williams, (b. 1804), aged 24, English dairy maid who was convicted in Hereford, Herefordshire, England for life for stealing, transported aboard the ""Competitor"" on 9th June 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, listed as being pregnant" [20]

New Zealand Williams migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Williams Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • J Williams, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1829
  • P Williams, who landed in New Zealand in 1829
  • Mr. William Williams, Australian settler travelling from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia aboard the ship "Bee" arriving in New Zealand in 1831 [21]
  • Mr. Williams, Australian settler travelling from Port of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia on board the ship "Defiance" arriving in New Zealand in 1832 [21]
  • Henry Williams, who landed in Bay of Islands, New Zealand in 1832
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

West Indies Williams migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. [22]
Williams Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century
  • Mr. John Williams, aged 21, British settler travelling from Gravesend, UK aboard the ship "Hopewell" arriving in Barbados on 17th February 1634 [13]
  • Mr. Owen Williams, (b. 1600), aged 34, British settler travelling from Gravesend, UK aboard the ship "Hopewell" arriving in Barbados on 17th February 1634 [13]
  • Mr. Richard Williams, Cornish settler from St Columb, Cornwall, (b. 1604), aged 30, British settler travelling from Plymouth, England aboard the ship "Margarett" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) on 1st March 1634 [23]
  • Mr. Teage Williams, Irish settler from Ireland, (b. 1616), aged 18, British settler travelling from Plymouth, England aboard the ship "Margarett" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) on 1st March 1634 [23]
  • Mr. Davie Williams, (b. 1618), aged 17, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Anne and Elizabeth" arriving in Barbados in 1635 [24]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Williams (post 1700) +

  • Tennessee Williams (1911-1983), well-known American playwright, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, 1948 and 1955 and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
  • Howard Andrew "Andy" Williams (1927-2012), American singer who recorded eighteen Gold and three Platinum-certified albums, host of The Andy Williams Show (1962-1971), best known for his recording of "Moon River"
  • Wendy Williams (b. 1964), American former broadcaster, media personality, and writer, host of the nationally syndicated television talk show The Wendy Williams Show (2008-2021)
  • Archie Charles Williams (b. 1961), American singer who appeared on America's Got Talent, prior he was wrongfully incarcerated for 37 years in prison
  • Trent Williams (b. 1988), American football offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League
  • Hank Williams Sr., American singer
  • Micah "Katt" Williams (b. 1971), Primetime Emmy Award Winning American stand-up comedian and actor, known for Norbit (2007), Scary Movie V (2013), Atlanta (2018-2022)
  • Thelda Marie Williams (1941-2023), American politician who served as a city councilor in Phoenix, Arizona from 1985
  • Mars Williams (1955-2023), American jazz and rock saxophonist
  • Michael Anthony "Mike" Williams (1987-2023), American NFL football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs
  • ... (Another 161 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Air New Zealand Flight 901
  • Mr. Leonard Heathcote Williams (1919-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Havelock North, Hastings, North Island, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; he died in the crash [25]
  • Miss Janet Challis Williams (1909-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Hastings, North Island, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; she died in the crash [25]
  • Mrs. Janet Mary Williams (1919-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Havelock North, Hastings, North Island, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; she died in the crash [25]
Empress of Ireland
  • Mr. David Williams, British Cook from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking [26]
  • Mr. William Williams, British Greaser from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking [26]
  • Mr. William Williams (d. 1914), British Lamp Trimmer from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking [26]
  • Mr. Arthur Clement Williams, British Saloon Steward from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking [26]
  • Mr. Roger Williams (1884-1914), English 2nd Officer from Maryport, Cumberland, England, United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking [26]
  • ... (Another 4 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Frank Rock Slide
  • Mr. George Williams, Canadian miner of Frank, Alberta who was buried in the Frank Rock Slide on 29th April 1903 [27]
  • Mrs. Williams, Canadian resident of Frank, Alberta with 3 children who was buried in the Frank Rock Slide on 29th April 1903 [27]
Halifax Explosion
Hillsborough disaster
  • Kevin Daniel Williams (1973-1989), English schoolboy who was attending the FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough Stadium, in Sheffield, Yorkshire when the stand allocated area became overcrowded and 96 people were crushed in what became known as the Hillsborough disaster and he died from his injuries, his school placed a memorial stone [29]
HMAS Sydney II
  • Mr. John Bruce Williams (1920-1941), Australian Stoker 2nd Class from Ascot Vale, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking [30]
  • Mr. John Harris Williams (1920-1941), Australian Stoker 2nd Class from South Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking [30]
  • Mr. Alfred David Williams (1918-1941), Australian Able Seaman from Speers Point, New South Wales, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking [30]
  • Mr. David Leslie Williams (1916-1941), Australian Acting Petty Officer from Fairfield, New South Wales, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking [30]
HMS Cornwall
  • Maurice Williams (d. 1942), British Able Seaman aboard the HMS Cornwall when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking [31]
HMS Dorsetshire
  • William Williams (d. 1945), British Writer aboard the HMS Dorsetshire when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking [32]
  • John Williams (d. 1945), British Stoker 1st Class aboard the HMS Dorsetshire when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking [32]
  • Ernest George Pascoe Williams (d. 1945), British Engine Room Artificer 4th Class aboard the HMS Dorsetshire when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking [32]
  • Gordon Percy Williams (d. 1945), British Ordnance Artificer 4th Class aboard the HMS Dorsetshire when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking [32]
HMS Halsted
  • Mr. Jospeh Jasper Williams (b. 1918), British Royal Navy ordinary seaman from Durham, England was stationed aboard the "HMS Halsted" when it was struck by torpedo by Jaguar and Mowe of the Cherbourg coast on 11th June 1944, he did not survive
HMS Hood
  • Mr. Roderick G Williams (b. 1922), English Midshipman serving for the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve from Westminster, London, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking [33]
  • Mr. Tom G J Williams (b. 1921), English Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Portsea, Portsmouth, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking [33]
  • Mr. Roland M Williams (b. 1909), Welsh Writer serving for the Royal Navy from Llangefni, Anglesey, Wales, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking [33]
  • Mr. Lloyd Williams (b. 1918), English Electrical Artificer 4th Class serving for the Royal Navy from Southsea, Portsmouth, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking [33]
  • Mr. Leonard J Williams (b. 1922), English Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Birmingham, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking [33]
  • ... (Another 2 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. William George Henry Williams, British Leading Stoker, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and died in the sinking [34]
  • Mr. Willie J Williams, English Able Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking [34]
  • Mr. John Williams, British Able Seaman from England, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking [34]
  • Mr. William Charles Williams, British Assistant Steward, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and died in the sinking [34]
  • Mr. Stanley Williams (1924-1942), English Marine from England, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales and survived the sinking, was later killed in action in 1942 [34]
  • ... (Another 11 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Repulse
  • Mr. Frank Williams, British Boatswain, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking [35]
  • Mr. Jack Williams, British Stoker 1st Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking [35]
  • Mr. Alfred Williams, British Leading Stoker, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking [35]
  • Mr. Williams, British Boatswain, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking [35]
  • Mr. Sidney Williams, British Able Bodied Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking [35]
  • ... (Another 10 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Royal Oak
  • George B. Williams, British Musician with the Royal Marine aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking [36]
  • Frank Williams, British Boatswain with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking [36]
  • Joseph Williams (1922-1939), British Boy 1st Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking [36]
  • Jonah Williams (1901-1939), British Chief Stoker with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking [36]
  • George Arthur Williams (1915-1939), British Able Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking [36]
  • ... (Another 2 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie)
  • Brittany Leigh Williams (1988-1988), American Passenger from Crown Point, New York, America, who flew aboard the Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died [37]
  • Stephanie Leigh Williams (1987-1988), American Passenger from Crown Point, New York, America, who flew aboard the Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died [37]
  • Bonnie Leigh Williams (1967-1988), American Military from Crown Point, New York, America, who flew aboard the Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died [37]
  • Eric Jon Williams (1964-1988), American Army Sergeant from Crown Point, New York, America, who flew aboard the Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died [37]
  • George Waterson Williams (1964-1988), American Army First Lieutenant from Joppa, Maryland, America, who flew aboard the Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died [37]
Prince of Wales colliery
  • Mr. Daniel Williams (b. 1827), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died [38]
  • Mr. William Williams (b. 1862), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died [38]
  • Mr. John Williams (b. 1864), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died [38]
  • Mr. William Williams (b. 1833), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died [38]
  • Mr. Henry Williams (b. 1856), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died [38]
  • ... (Another 16 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
RMS Lusitania
  • Mr. Harold Williams, English Second Waiter from Shire Hall, Chester, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking [39]
  • Mr. John Williams, English Third Waiter from Bootle, Lancashire, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking [39]
  • Mr. Sydney Williams, English Trimmer from Birkenhead, Cheshire, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking [39]
  • Mr. William H. Williams, English 1st Class Cabin Bed Steward from Bootle, Lancashire, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking [39]
  • Mr. Robert Neptune Williams, English First Waiter from Egremont, Cheshire, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking [39]
  • ... (Another 17 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
RMS Titanic
  • Mr. Walter J. Williams, aged 28, English Second Class Saloon Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking by escaping in life boat 13 [40]
  • Mr. Samuel S. Williams (d. 1912), aged 26, English Trimmer from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking [40]
  • Mr. Howard Hugh "Harry" Williams (d. 1912), aged 28, English Third Class passenger from Guernsey, Channel Islands who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking [40]
  • Mr. Leslie Williams (d. 1912), aged 28, Welsh Third Class passenger from Tonypandy, Glamorgan who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking and was recovered by CS Mackay-Bennett [40]
  • Mr. Charles Eugene Williams, aged 23, English Second Class passenger from Harrow, London who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking escaping on life boat 14 [40]
  • ... (Another 2 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Senghenydd colliery
  • Mr. Albert Williams (b. 1890), Welsh coal miner from Abertridwr, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
  • Mr. Archibald Williams (b. 1894), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
  • Mr. Arthur Henry Williams (b. 1894), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
  • Mr. David Williams (b. 1889), Welsh coal miner from Abertridwr, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
  • Mr. David Williams (b. 1860), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
  • ... (Another 16 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
SS Atlantic
  • Capt. James Agnew Williams, British crew member who was aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, survived the sinking
  • Wm. Williams, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking
  • David Williams, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking
  • Elisabeth Williams, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking
  • John Williams, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking
  • ... (Another 2 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
SS Newfoundland
  • Mr. Thomas Williams, Newfoundlander from St. John's, who on the 30th March 1914 he was part of the Seal Crew of the "SS Newfoundland" leaving the ship to intercept the Stephano which took him to the hunting grounds, he disembarked to begin sealing, but was caught in a thickening storm, attempting to return to the Newfoundland he and the 132 crew made camp for two days the sealers were stranded on the ice in a blizzard attempting to return to the ship, he survived
  • Mr. Joseph Williams (1893-1914), Newfoundlander from Ferryland, who on the 30th March 1914 he was part of the Seal Crew of the "SS Newfoundland" leaving the ship to intercept the Stephano which took him to the hunting grounds, he disembarked to begin sealing, but was caught in a thickening storm, attempting to return to the Newfoundland he and the 132 crew made camp for two days the sealers were stranded on the ice in a blizzard attempting to return to the ship, he died during this time
USS Arizona
  • Mr. John F. Williams, American Gunner's Mate Third Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking [41]
  • Mr. George Washington Williams, American Seaman First Class from Virginia, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking [41]
  • Mr. Jack Herman Williams, American Radioman Third Class from South Carolina, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking [41]
  • Mr. Laurence A Williams, American Ensign-Division V from Ohio, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking [41]
  • Mr. Adrian Delton Williams, American Seaman First Class from Louisiana, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking [41]
  • ... (Another 1 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Winter Quarters coal mine
  • Mr. Daniel H. Williams (b. 1847), Welsh mine worker from Brecon residing in Wales, Utah who worked in the Winter Quarters coal mine on 1st May 1900, when 10 of the 25lb kegs of black powder exploded; he died in the explosion [42]
  • Mr. Llewellyn Williams (b. 1884), American mine worker from Scofield, Utah who worked in the Winter Quarters coal mine on 1st May 1900, when 10 of the 25lb kegs of black powder exploded; he died in the explosion [42]
  • Mr. Robert Williams (b. 1855), Welsh mine worker residing in Scofield, Utah who worked in the Winter Quarters coal mine on 1st May 1900, when 10 of the 25lb kegs of black powder exploded; he died in the explosion [42]
  • Mr. Evan Williams, Welsh mine worker who worked in the Winter Quarters coal mine on 1st May 1900, when 10 of the 25lb kegs of black powder exploded; he survived after being blown through a door [42]


The Williams Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Ensuivant la verite
Motto Translation: By following the truth.


Suggested Readings for the name Williams +

  • 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.

  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  3. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  4. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  5. "The first 1,000 family names by rank, Quebec (in French only)" Institut de la statistique du Quebec, https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/document/family-names-in-quebec/tableau/the-first-1000-family-names-by-rank-quebec
  6. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  7. http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
  8. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  9. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  10. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  11. "Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
  12. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  13. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  14. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 29th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/barwell
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
  17. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 22nd March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/coromandel-and-experiment
  18. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retreived 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_australia_queensland.pdf
  19. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retreived 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_nsw_gaol_admissions.pdf
  20. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/competitor
  21. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  22. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
  23. Cornish in the Caribbean (retrieved on 23rd September 2021). Retrieved from https://books.google.ca/books?id=gnSFDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA265&lpg=PA265&dq=wallen+lizard+cornwall&source=bl&ots=ARTnm6uRLv&sig=ACfU3U3ewicUaBkTuwC_Gpr0ic-
  24. Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's. Retrieved 23rd September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  25. Mount Erebus, Memorial, Roll of Remembrance (Retrieved 2018, February 21st). Retrieved from http://www.erebus.co.nz/memorialandawards/rollofremembrance.aspx
  26. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  27. Calgary Herald news article retrieved 11th August 2021. Retrieved from https://smartcdn.prod.postmedia.digital/calgaryherald/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Calgary_Herald_Thu__Apr_30__1903_-copy-scaled.jpg
  28. Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
  29. Hillsborough Victims (retreived 21st March 2021). Retreived from https://metro.co.uk/2019/04/15/remembering-96-victims-hillsborough-disaster-30-years-9206566/
  30. HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
  31. Force Z Survivors Crew List HMS Cornwall (Retrieved 2018, February 13th) - Retrieved from https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listcornwallcrew.html#A
  32. Force Z Survivors HMS Dorsetshire Crew List, (Retrieved 2018, February 13th), https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listdorsetshirecrew.html
  33. H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
  34. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  35. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
  36. Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
  37. Pan Am Flight 103's victims: A list of those killed 25 years ago | syracuse.com. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/12/pan_am_flight_103s_victims_a_list_of_those_killed_25_years_ago.html
  38. Entombed in flood and flame (retrieved 3rd August 2021). Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20120603025705/http://www.crosskeys.me.uk/history/prince.htm
  39. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 7) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  40. Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html
  41. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html
  42. Miners killed in Winter Quarters (retrieved 28th July 2021). Retrieved from http://www.carbon-utgenweb.com/miners.html


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