Wilkins History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 


The vast movement of people that followed the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought the Wilkins family name to the British Isles. Wilkins comes from the Norman personal name William, which is derived from the words will, meaning resolution and helm, meaning armed. 1 2

Early Origins of the Wilkins family

The surname Wilkins was first found in Glamorganshire where they held a family seat from early times. They were descended from Robert de Wintona, 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.

The Pipe Rolls for Northumberland list the name Wilechm in 1166 and later Wilekinus was found in the Hampshire Pipe Rills for 1191. Richard Wilekin was found in the Pipe Rolls for Hampshire in 1180 and William Wilekin in the Curia Regis Rolls for London in 1220. Roger Wylkyns was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Staffordshire in 1327. 3

Early History of the Wilkins family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wilkins research. Another 119 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1558, 1601, 1603, 1614, 1618, 1625, 1626, 1668, 1672, 1685, 1699 and 1745 are included under the topic Early Wilkins History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wilkins Spelling Variations

Multitudes of spelling variations are a hallmark of Anglo Norman names. Most of these names evolved in the 11th and 12th century, in the time after the Normans introduced their own Norman French language into a country where Old and Middle English had no spelling rules and the languages of the court were French and Latin. To make matters worse, medieval scribes spelled words according to sound, so names frequently appeared differently in the various documents in which they were recorded. The name was spelled Wilkins, Wilkin, Wilkines, Wilkyn, Wilking and others.

Early Notables of the Wilkins family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

Wilkins World Ranking

In the United States, the name Wilkins is the 485th most popular surname with an estimated 59,688 people with that name. 5 However, in Australia, the name Wilkins is ranked the 535th most popular surname with an estimated 7,244 people with that name. 6 And in New Zealand, the name Wilkins is the 508th popular surname with an estimated 1,357 people with that name. 7 The United Kingdom ranks Wilkins as 367th with 17,065 people. 8


Wilkins migration to the United States +

Because of this political and religious unrest within English society, many people decided to immigrate to the colonies. Families left for Ireland, North America, and Australia in enormous numbers, traveling at high cost in extremely inhospitable conditions. The New World in particular was a desirable destination, but the long voyage caused many to arrive sick and starving. Those who made it, though, were welcomed by opportunities far greater than they had known at home in England. Many of these families went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Wilkins or a variant listed above:

Wilkins Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Wilkins Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Wilkins Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Wilkins migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Wilkins Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Wilkins Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Wilkins migration to Australia +

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

Wilkins Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Wilkins 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:

Wilkins Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Wilkins (post 1700) +


The Wilkins 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: Estote prudentes
Motto Translation: Be ye prudent.


Suggested Readings for the name Wilkins +
Fastest Delivery Possible

Digital Products on Checkout, all other products filled in 1 business day

Money Back Guarantee

Yes, all products 100% Guraranteed

BBB A+ Rating

The Best Rating possible

Secure Online Payment

Entire site uses SSL / Secure Certificate