Show ContentsWilliamsomb History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Williamsomb was first used by the people of an ancient Scottish tribe called the Strathclyde Britons. Williamsomb is derived from the Norman personal name William. The name literally was derived from the patronymic expression son of William.

Early Origins of the Williamsomb family

The surname Williamsomb 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 Williamsomb family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Williamsomb 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 Williamsomb History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Williamsomb Spelling Variations

Medieval Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. This is due to the fact that scribes in that era spelled according to the sound of words, rather than any set of rules. Williamsomb has been spelled Williamson, Wiliamson, Williamsone and others.

Early Notables of the Williamsomb 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 Williamsomb Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Williamsomb family to Ireland

Some of the Williamsomb 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 Williamsomb family

Many Scots were left with few options other than to leave their homeland for the colonies across the Atlantic. Some of these families fought to defend their newfound freedom in the American War of Independence. Others went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of these families have recently been able to rediscover their roots through Clan societies and other Scottish organizations. 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.



  1. 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)


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