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Name Origin

Williams is a patronymic surname of Welsh origin, meaning 'son of William'. William itself derives from the Germanic elements 'wil' (desire, will) and 'helm' (helmet, protection).

welshpatronymicsurnameprotection

Famous People

Williams Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Playwright, Poet

  • Wrote renowned plays like Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet
  • Considered the greatest writer in the English language

Williams Carlos Williams (1883-1963)

Poet, Physician

  • Developed a distinctive style of modernist poetry
  • Known for poems like 'The Red Wheelbarrow' and 'Spring and All'

Williams Sonoma

Retailer

  • Founded a popular kitchenware and home goods retail chain