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Show ContentsWilliamson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The name Williamson was first used by the people of an ancient Scottish tribe called the Strathclyde Britons. 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 Williamson family

The surname Williamson 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 Williamson family

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

Williamson 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. Williamson has been spelled Williamson, Wiliamson, Williamsone and others.

Early Notables of the Williamson 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 Edinb...
  • Peter Williamson (1730-1799), author and publisher, son of James Williamson, crofter, was born in the parish of Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, in 1730. When about ten years of age be fell a victim to a barbar...

Williamson World Ranking

In the United States, the name Williamson is the 213rd most popular surname with an estimated 121,863 people with that name. 2 However, in Canada, the name Williamson is ranked the 396th most popular surname with an estimated 11,665 people with that name. 3 And in Australia, the name Williamson is the 151st popular surname with an estimated 19,481 people with that name. 4 New Zealand ranks Williamson as 102nd with 3,990 people. 5 The United Kingdom ranks Williamson as 137th with 37,107 people. 6

Ireland Migration of the Williamson family to Ireland

Some of the Williamson 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.

United States Williamson migration to the United States +

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:

Williamson Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Michael Williamson, who settled in Massachusetts in 1631
  • Mr. William Williamson, aged 25, who arrived in New England in 1635 aboard the ship "Defence" 7
  • Miss Marie Williamson, aged 23, who arrived in New England in 1635 aboard the ship "Defence" 7
  • Ann Williamson, aged 18, who arrived in New England in 1635 aboard the ship "Hopewell" 7
  • Mr. Michael Williamson, aged 30, from Oakley,, who arrived in New England in 1635 aboard the ship "Planter", bound for Ipswich 7
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Williamson Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Barbery Williamson, who arrived in Virginia in 1705 8
  • Andrew Williamson, who landed in Brunswick, North Carolina in 1775 8
Williamson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Adam Williamson, aged 22, who landed in New York in 1812 8
  • Alexander Williamson, who landed in New York in 1855 8
  • Ann Williamson, aged 17, who arrived in New York in 1864 8
  • David Williamson, aged 22, who arrived in New York in 1864 8
  • Ellen Williamson, aged 25, who landed in New York in 1864 8
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Williamson Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Andreas Christian Williamson, who arrived in Alabama in 1917 8
  • James Williamson, aged 36, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Pennyworth" from Havre, France 9
  • Annie Williamson, aged 40, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Adriatic" from Southampton, England 9
  • John Williamson, aged 7, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Adriatic" from Southampton, England 9

Canada Williamson migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Williamson Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Mr. Archibald Williamson U.E., (Willison) born in Argyllshire, Scotland who settled in Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784he is listed with the Loyalists and Disbanded Soldiers whose names appear as Passamaquoddy New Brunswick Loyalists, he served in the 74th Regiment 10
  • Mr. George Williamson U.E., (Willison) who settled in Carleton [Saint John City], New Brunswick c. 1784 10
Williamson Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • David Williamson, aged 25, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the brig "Betsy Heron" from Belfast, Ireland
  • Mr. Daniel Williamson, aged 65 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Emigrant" departing from the port of Liverpool, England but died on Grosse Isle in October 1847 11
  • Ms. Rose Williamson, aged 19 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Emigrant" departing from the port of Liverpool, England but died on Grosse Isle in October 1847 11
  • Mr. George Williamson, aged 34 who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Larch" departing 11th July 1847 from Sligo, Ireland; the ship arrived on 20th August 1847 but he died on board 12

Australia Williamson migration to Australia +

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

Williamson Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Isaac Williamson, British Convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Coromandel" on 4th December 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
  • Miss Jane Williamson, (Mary Bulger), Irish convict who was convicted in Dublin, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Experiment" on 21st January 1809, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 14
  • Mr. Henry Williamson, English convict who was convicted in Essex, England for life, transported aboard the "Fame" on 9th October 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
  • Mr. William Williamson, (b. 1802), aged 17, Cornish convict who was convicted in Cornwall, England for life, transported aboard the "Coromandel" on 27th October 1819, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 16
  • Mr. William Williamson, (b.1800, aged 19 born in Cornwall, UK convicted in Cornwall on 9th August 1819, sentenced for life for stealing money, transported aboard the ship "Coromandel" in 1819 to Van Diemen's Land, Tasmania, Australia 17
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Williamson 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:

Williamson Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • David Williamson, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
  • Francis Williamson, who landed in Wanganui, New Zealand in 1840
  • James Williamson, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1840
  • Thomas Williamson, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
  • Charles Williamson, aged 16, a labourer, who arrived in Port Nicholson aboard the ship "Olympus" in 1841
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Williamson (post 1700) +

  • Gerald Irvin Williamson (1925-2023), American Reformed theologian, pastor, and author from Des Moines, Iowa
  • John H. Williamson (1937-2021), English-born, American economist who coined the term Washington Consensus
  • Bruce Williamson Jr. (1970-2020), American R&B and soul singer and a onetime lead singer for The Temptations
  • Oliver Eaton Williamson (1932-2020), American economist, professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and recipient of the 2009 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences
  • Donald J. Williamson (1934-2019), American businessman and politician, 91st Mayor of Flint, Michigan (2003-2009)
  • Claude Berkeley Williamson (1926-2016), American jazz pianist
  • Richard Williamson (1941-2015), American college and NFL football coach
  • Kate Williamson (1931-2013), born Robina Jane Sparks, an American actress, best known for her roles on Ellen (1995), Disclosure (1994), and Dahmer (2002)
  • Richard Salisbury Williamson (1949-2013), American lawyer, diplomat and pedagogue, 17th Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs (1988-1989)
  • Michael T. "Mykelti" Williamson (b. 1960), American actor
  • ... (Another 20 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Arrow Air Flight 1285
  • Mr. James Harold Williamson (1964-1985), American Specialist 4th Class from Waynesville, Missouri, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 18
Empress of Ireland
  • Mr. Percy Robert Williamson (d. 1914), British Senior 5th Engineer from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 19
Halifax Explosion
  • Miss Marie Agnes  Williamson (1907-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who survived the Halifax Explosion (1917) but later died due to injuries 20
HMAS Sydney II
  • Mr. Maurice Douglas Williamson (1918-1941), Australian Leading Stoker from Lenah Valley, Tasmania, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 21
  • Mr. Sydney Thomas Lawrence Williamson (1916-1941), Australian Acting Petty Officer from Elwood, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 21
HMS Dorsetshire
  • Walter Noel Williamson (d. 1945), British Able Seaman aboard the HMS Dorsetshire when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 22
HMS Hood
  • Mr. Harry Williamson (b. 1918), English Leading Stoker serving for the Royal Navy from Sunderland, County Durham, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 23
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. Arthur Sydney Williamson, British Marine, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 24
HMS Repulse
  • Mr. Kenneth Arthur Williamson, British Stoker 2ne Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 25
  • Mr. George Alexander Williamson, British Leading Stoker, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 25
RMS Lusitania
  • Mr. Charles Francis Williamson, American 1st Class Passenger from New York, New York, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 26
RMS Titanic
  • Mr. James Bertram Williamson (d. 1912), aged 35, Irish Postal Clerk from Dublin, Ireland who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 27
SS Atlantic
  • John Williamson, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, survived the sinking
Triangle Waist Company
  • Mr. Reginald J. Williamson, American worker who was at Triangle Waist Company factory at the Asch building in Greenwich Village on the 25th March 1911 when fire broke out; he survived the fire 28
USS Arizona
  • Mr. Randolph Williamson Jr., American Mess Attendant Second Class 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 29
  • Mr. William Dean Williamson, American Radioman Second Class from California, 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 29
Victoria steamboat disaster
  • Alice Williamson, Canadian passenger who was killed in the Victoria steamboat disaster when the boat capsized in 1881
  • Edward Williamson, Canadian passenger who was killed in the Victoria steamboat disaster when the boat capsized in 1881
  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)
  2. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  3. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  4. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  5. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  6. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  7. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  8. 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)
  9. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
  10. 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
  11. Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 60)
  12. Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 99)
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 22nd March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/coromandel-and-experiment
  14. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 2nd June 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/experiment
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 27th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 12th March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/coromandel
  17. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 30th May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/tasmanian_convicts_cornish.pdf
  18. American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550
  19. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  20. 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
  21. HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
  22. Force Z Survivors HMS Dorsetshire Crew List, (Retrieved 2018, February 13th), https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listdorsetshirecrew.html
  23. 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
  24. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  25. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
  26. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  27. Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html
  28. Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (retrieved on 3rd August 2021.) Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triangle_Shirtwaist_Factory_fire
  29. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html
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