Wilamson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland
England

The roots of the Wilamson family stretch back to the Strathclyde people of the Scottish/English Borderlands, who were the first to use this surname. It is derived from the Norman personal name William. The name literally was derived from the patronymic expression son of William.

Early Origins of the Wilamson family

The surname Wilamson was first found in Peebles, where Johannes filius Wilelmi, the Latin form of the name, is found in 1317. "Adam, son of William, rendered to Exchequer the accounts of the burgh of Peebles in 1343, and John, the son of William, was bailie there in 1365. Ion Willameson of Angus was on assize of the marches of Woodwrae in 1388, John Willelmi was official of Brechin in 1434, and Alexander Willyamsone, a native of Aberdeen, and John Williamson, born at Euchemartyn , received letters of denization in England in 1463 and 1480. 'Jhone Williamson and Donald Willeam Allanson his bruder' are witnesses to a bond in 1527. Thomas Williamson was an archer of the guard in the reign of Charles VIII (1485-98). The surname is also spelled in France D'Oillençon, and the families of this name preserve their old motto 'Venture and win.' " 1

Early History of the Wilamson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wilamson research. Another 131 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1634, 1702, 1706, 1730, 1747, 1754, 1757, 1758, 1762, 1765, 1799 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Wilamson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wilamson Spelling Variations

Before the printing press standardized spelling in the last few hundred years, no general rules existed in the English language. Spelling variations in Scottish names from the Middle Ages are common even within a single document. Wilamson has been spelled Williamson, Wiliamson, Williamsone and others.

Early Notables of the Wilamson family

Notable amongst the family at this time was David Williamson, (c. 1634-1706) a Scottish minister and Covenanter who served as moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1702. He is notable for his long association with Edinburgh's West Kirk, his seven marriages, and his portrayal in the traditional song "Dainty Davie". He is said to have buried six wives and the seventh buried him. During his time as an outlaw, he escaped capture many times, most notably by hiding in bed with Jean Kerr of Cherrytrees, who became the third of his seven wives. Peter Williamson (1730-1799)...
Another 287 words (20 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Wilamson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Wilamson family to Ireland

Some of the Wilamson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 61 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Wilamson family

For Scottish immigrants, the great expense of travel to North America did not seem such a problem in those unstable times. Acres of land awaited them and many got the chance to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. These Scots and their ancestors went on to play important roles in the forging of the great nations of the United States and Canada. Among them: Michael Williamson, who settled in Massachusetts in 1631; James Williamson, who settled in Virginia in 1654 along with Isaac, Richard, Alice, and Ann.

Citations +

Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)