Show ContentsWilcorson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Wilcorson is one of the many names that the Normans brought with them when they conquered England in 1066. The name Wilcorson came from the Norman personal name Wilkins, which in turn is derived from the name William. William, which is derived from the words will, meaning resolution and helm, meaning armed. [1]

Early Origins of the Wilcorson family

The surname Wilcorson was first found in Durham where they held a family seat from early times. They were descended from Robert de Wintona, of Glamorgan, one of twelve knights who came into Glamorgan with Robert Fitzhamon, a Norman noble, in 1066. Fitzhamon was Sheriff of Kent and founder of Tewkesbury. [2]

"This name is almost entirely confined to the northern half of England, as defined by a line drawn west from the Wash. It is best represented in Northumberland, Durham, Yorkshire, and Lancashire, and is also fairly numerous in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and Cheshire. " [3]

Early rolls provided a wide range of spellings that have been used over the centuries: Roger Wyleconsesone, found in the Subsidy Rolls for Sussex in 1332; and Thomas Wilkynson in the Subsidy Rolls for Cumberland in 1332. [4] The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 listed Adam Wylkynson and Thomas Wylkynson. [5]

Early History of the Wilcorson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wilcorson research. Another 108 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1250, 1566, 1586, 1597, 1601, 1610, 1613, 1616, 1646, 1647, 1650, 1675, 1690, 1728, 1738, 1797, 1798, 1808, 1875 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Wilcorson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wilcorson Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, Anglo-Norman surnames like Wilcorson are characterized by many spelling variations. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages such as Norman French and Latin, even literate people regularly changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Wilcorson include Wilkinson, Wilkisson, Wilkiesson and others.

Early Notables of the Wilcorson family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Henry Wilkinson (1610-1675), an English clergyman, Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity, and member of the Westminster Assembly. He was the son of Henry Wilkinson (1566-1647), by his wife Sarah, was born at Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire. His father, who was elected fellow of Merton College, Oxford, in 1586, was created B.D. on 7 July 1597, and was from 1601 till his death on 19 March 1646-1647 rector of Waddesdon. Henry the younger was Canon of Christ Church, Oxford, son of Henry Wilkinson (1566-1647.) [6]Henry Wilkinson (1616-1690), was an English clergyman and academic, Principal of Magdalen...
Another 226 words (16 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Wilcorson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Wilcorson family to Ireland

Some of the Wilcorson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 59 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 Wilcorson family

Faced with the chaos present in England at that time, many English families looked towards the open frontiers of the New World with its opportunities to escape oppression and starvation. People migrated to North America, as well as Australia and Ireland in droves, paying exorbitant rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, but those who did see the shores of North America were welcomed with great opportunity. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America carried the name Wilcorson, or a variant listed above: William Wilkinson, who arrived in Virginia in 1606, 14 years before the "Mayflower"; Lawrence Wilkinson, who arrived in Providence, RI in 1645.



The Wilcorson 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: Non mihi sed tibi gloria
Motto Translation: Glory to thee, not to me.


  1. Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
  2. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  3. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
  4. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  5. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  6. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


Houseofnames.com on Facebook